This study investigates the fabrication of aluminium die-casting (ADC-10) composites with varying weight percentages of boron carbide (B 4 C) particles, using Al-5Ti-B as a grain refiner through mechanical automatic feeder stir squeeze casting process. Five compositions are developed: pure ADC-10 and blends with 0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 3% B4C, designated R-0, R-0.5, R-1, R-2, and R-3, each containing Al-5Ti-B grain refiner. The samples having 2 wt.% of B 4 C exhibit maximum grain refinement. As a result significant enhancement in hardness and toughness values are observed. However, the increase in higher reinforcement level (3 wt.%) leads to particle agglomeration thereby negatively impacting the mechanical properties. Fracture studies have indicated increased brittle failure with more B 4 C content, while the best specific strength and elongation are achieved at sample containing 2 wt.%, B 4 C. This can be attributed to improved interfacial strength and uniform particle distribution. Overall, the combination of B 4 C reinforcement and grain refinement with mechanical stir casting notably enhanced the mechanical strength of the composites, underlining the importance of particle uniformity and nucleation site development in improving mechanical properties.
Bommanagouder et al. (Tue,) studied this question.