• Nagesh Patil
• Santosh M S
• G N Sahadev
• Madev Nagaral

Metal matrix composites (MMCs) have been created to meet demands of lighter materials especially suited for applications requiring high strength to weight ratio with high specific strength, dimensional stability, structural rigidity, and stiffness for different applications like automotive, space, aircraft, defense, and in other engineering sectors. In the present work it is decided to investigate the mechanical (Hardness, Tensile, Compression) and tribological (wear) properties of nano B4C reinforced Al7049 alloy. B4C particulate reinforced Al alloy MMCs are prepared by liquid stir casting method. Al7049 alloy is taken as metal phase matrix to which B4C particulates are added as reinforcement. 3, 6 and 9 wt. % of B4C particulates are added to the Al7049 base matrix. Before fabrication of composites, particles that are used for reinforcement are preheated to 400C temperature, and then added into the vertex of molten melt Al7049 alloy in two step addition methods to improve the dispersion of particles in the matrix and wettability of the particles. The micro structural observation has been studied using both Scanning electron microscopy and EDS spectrographs to know the distribution of reinforced B4C particulates in the base Al7049 alloy. Tensile, hardness, compression and wear tests were carried out before addition and after addition of reinforcement. The characterization of mechanical properties is done on both base alloy and composites according to ASTM standards. Wear testing equipment is used to conduct wear tests of prepared composites at varying load and speeds according to ASTM wear standards. Results revealed that, Microstructural characterization of the composites has shown the fairly uniform distribution of B4C particulates in the aluminium base matrix. Increasing addition level of reinforcement has resulted in further increase in mechanical properties (Hardness, Ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, and compression strength). The wear resistance of the Al7049 - B4C composite found increased with increased filler content.

"Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Al6082-Nano Graphite Composites Fabricated by Stir-Casting Process", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 6, page no.5-9, June 2019, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1907O02.pdf

"Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Al6082-Nano Graphite Composites Fabricated by Stir-Casting Process", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.6, Issue 6, page no. pp5-9, June 2019, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR1907O02.pdf