Macro-hardness and corrosion behavior of silicon carbide or boron carbide reinforced AA5052 MMC

Abstract

Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) enhance the mechanical and tribological properties according to the composition of the particulate reinforcement of Silicon Carbide (SiC) or Boron Carbide (B4C) and AA5052 aluminum alloy matrix. The MMC samples were fabricated by stir casting method of the liquid processing route. The same weight percentages (5 wt. %) and same particle size (63μm) of both SiC and B4C particulates are used to develop two different MMC samples. The hardness and corrosion tests were conducted to estimate the enhanced properties of the fabricated composites. The macro-hardness test and the immersion corrosion test were carried out by using a Vickers hardness tester at an applied load of 5kgf in accordance with ASTM E92 and a 3.5% NaCl solution in accordance with ASTM G31, respectively. With the help of optical microscopy, the corroded surfaces were analyzed. The results obtained from the investigation show that AA5052/B4C MMC gives better hardness and AA5052/SiC MMC shows higher corrosion rate compared to the other two samples.