Abstract

GOMEZ RODRIGUEZ, L. et al. Características mécanicas y microestructurales de materiales compuestos de matriz aluminio reforzados con partículas cerámicas de B 4 C, desarrollados por vía pulvimeta lúrgica.. Rev. LatinAm. Met. Mat. [online]. 2003, vol.23, n.1, pp.50-58. ISSN 0255-6952.

Abstract     AA6061 based aluminum matrix composites reinforced with boron carbide (B₄C) have been developed by a combined powder metallurgy and extrusion route. Mechanical testing on the composites showed a meaningful increase in hardness and strength as the reinforcement content was increased, both in the as extruded condition and after precipitation heat treatment on the matrix (T6). Ultimate tensile strength values of the B₄C composites developed are compared with composites reinforced with SiC and processed in the same way, as in these last one have been extensively researched and the effect of SiC reinforcement on mechanical  properties is well known. Finally, fracture mechanisms, reinforcement distribution and matrix - reinforcement interface, among other microstructural aspects in these materials, have been analyzed by means of optical (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Keywords : Powder metallurgy; Extrusion; Aluminum matrix composites; B₄C; SiC reinforcement.