TMS2011 SUPPLEMENTAL PROCEEDINGS, VOL 1: MATERIALS PROCESSING AND ENERGY MATERIALS, cilt.1, ss.491-498, 2011 (SCI-Expanded)
In the present work, effect of particle size, particle
surface modification, pressing pressure and sintering temperature on
microstructure and mechanical properties were investigated at B4C reinforced
aluminium matrix composites produced with powder metallurgical route. In order
to improve the matrix/reinforcement interface bonding, prior to processing,
electroless nickel coating and partial oxidation were performed on the B4C
particles. Three different B4C particle sizes (10, 32 and 66 μm) were used and
three different sintering temperatures (550, 590 and 630°C) were performed for
three different sintering time (2, 4 and 6 h) to produce the composites.
Microstructures were characterised by using optical microscope and field
emission gun SEM (FEG-SEM) equipped with energy dispersive analysis (EDS).
Compression strength, hardness, density and porosity values were determined.
After microstructural and mechanical investigations, is has seen that optimum
values were obtained from fine particles modified with electroless nickel
coating, sintered at 630°C for 6 hours.