A study on hardness and wear behavior of Al-Cu/B4C composite by stir and squeeze casting with rolled composites

Abstract

In the present investigation, the Al-Cu matrix reinforced by B4C particulate was fabricated using stir casting and squeeze casting technique. The stir cast composites so produced were subjected to hot rolling for 40% reduction and the composites have been evaluated based on the investigation of mechanical properties. The wear tests were carried out using a pin on disc technique. Microstructure of the composites was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results show that the hardness and tensile strength increases with increase in percentage of B4C by stir casting squeeze casting and rolled composites. But squeeze casting composites shows higher strength than stir casting and rolled composites show higher mechanical properties than both stir and squeeze cast composites. The test results showed that rolled specimens fabricated by stir casting technique have greater wear resistance than those fabricated by squeeze casting technique. Microstructure shows better bonding between matrix particle interface and no fracture observed in rolled composites.