Production and Study of Microstructure and Mechanical Characteristics of Al7075-Boron Carbide Composites for Automotive Applications

The excellent strength-to-weight ratio of aluminium alloys lead them to introduce to a large number of industries like engineering, defence and automotive. Much research has been suggested for the extensive use of Al7075 aluminum alloy in automobile sectors. The purpose of the research is to fabricate composites using Boron Carbide and Al7075 matrix composites by stir casting technique. The Al7075 matrix was reinforced by B4C particles in 1, 3, 5 and 7 weight ratios. This study used microstructure analysis and tensile testing among other experiments to measure the properties of composite specimens. The microstructure of the composites has been studied with scanning electron microscopy. B4C particles were found to be homogeneously dispersed in the entire Aluminium matrix. The results of this study indicate that the UTS of the composites that were manufactured improved in relation to the amount of B4C present. The Al7075-B4C composite shows the maximum UTS of 134.33 N/mm² with B4C addition at 5%. It was established that the addition of B4C resulted in a reduction in percentage elongation. Adding B4C particles to the composites also increases their yield strength. With only 5 wt. % B4C, the highest yield strength of 117.25 N/mm² can be attained among all tested compositions for the Al7075-B4C composite. Detailed examinations by SEM analysis of the fracture tension face of the composite material demonstrated that it was inherently brittle.