Effects of B element on microstructure and mechanical properties of B4Cp/Al composites fabricated by ultrasound assisted casting method
Mi Chen, Zhiwei Liu, Yudong Jia, Shen-wei YU, Yuan He, Bohan Zheng
Abstract
Ultrasound assisted casting method was applied to preparing B4Cp/Al composites with the addition of B element by adding KBF4 into Al−B4C−K2TiF6 system. The effects of B element addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties as well as the reaction mechanism at the interface of composites were investigated. Experimental results showed that B element addition altered the B4Cp/Al interface, induced more small-sized TiB2 particles to distribute within the matrix. Therefore, cavitation and acoustic flow effects of the melt were intensified, which led to the breaking of B4C clusters and finally led to the homogeneous microstructure and better mechanical properties of the composites.