Effect of B4C particle size on the mechanical properties of B4C reinforced aluminum matrix layered composite

Reinforcement particle size is very important for the performance of metal ceramic composites. This work studied the influence of B4C particle size on the mechanical properties of Al matrix layered composites. These composites were fabricated using a simplified semicontinuous casting and hot-rolling process. To obtain an optimized filling structure of particles, Horsfield filling principle was applied to determine the size and mass fraction of B4C particles. Four sizes of B4C particles were used with various combinations. The results showed that with the increase of the B4C particle size and fine B4C mass fraction, the hardness of the composites decreases whereas the impact strength and ultimate tensile strength increase. The residual stress at interface should be responsible for the variation in properties. Besides, the interparticle distance also contributes to the change in impact strength and ultimate tensile strength.