Aluminium Matrix Composites: B2 Aluminide Strengthening

The influence of the B2 aluminide particulate reinforcement (up to 5 wt%) on the mechanical properties of pure aluminium is investigated for the first time. Aluminium metal matrix composites AMMCs are synthesized by the stir casting route using mechanical stirring. The B2-aluminide particles with a size of about & AP; 36 & mu;m were used in the present study. Structural characterization of the AMMCs was done by X-ray diffraction. The composition analysis was performed by an Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy attached to a Scanning Electron Microscope. The mechanical properties at room temperature were evaluated by Vickers hardness and tensile tests. The microstructure consists of a uniform dispersion of B2-Aluminide particles in the matrix. The hardness, ultimate tensile strength, and yield strength of present composites are significantly superior to those of pure aluminium. From the experimental results, it has been identified that yield strength and ultimate tensile strength are enhanced by 27% and 16% respectively with 5 wt% B2-aluminide (Al-Co) reinforcement. Improved properties substantiate the B2 aluminides as potential reinforcement materials for the development of metal matrix composites. This will help in developing the high-strength Al matrix composites at a low cost.