Comparative Study on the Mechanical Properties of Boron Carbide and E-Glass Fiber Reinforced Aluminum 7075 CompositesPages 186-191
C. Vijayavardhana Abstract:
Aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) have gained significant attention for their superior mechanical properties compared to traditional alloys, particularly in demanding applications such as aerospace and automotive industries. This study focuses on the mechanical characterization of Aluminum 7075 reinforced with boron carbide (B4C) and chopped E-glass fibers. The primary aim is to enhance the material's strength and toughness while mitigating its inherent brittleness. The reinforcement process involves the integration of ceramic particles and chopped glass fibers into the Aluminum 7075 matrix using the stir casting method. This method ensures a uniform dispersion of reinforcements, leading to a homogeneous composite structure. The experimental setup includes varying the weight percentages of B4C and E-glass fibers to assess their impact on the composite's mechanical properties. The composites were evaluated for density, porosity, hardness, and tensile strength following ASTM standards. Results indicate that the addition of boron carbide and E-glass fibers significantly improves the composite's hardness and tensile strength, while reducing porosity. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analyses of the worn surfaces provided insights into the wear mechanisms and the effectiveness of the reinforcements in enhancing tribological performance.
Keywords: Hybrid composite,
Aluminum 7075,
B4C,
E-Glass,
Hardness,
Porosity
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