Synthesis and characterization of B4C and WC particle reinforced AlCuMg composites in molten salt

One of the production methods that has played a notable role in the industry recently is AlCuMg alloys produced by powder metallurgy. This method allows precise control of the chemical composition of the alloy. Powder metallurgy has emerged as an alternative to traditional production methods and offers advantages to processes such as casting, machining, hot and cold pressing. Composite materials obtained by this method have the potential to increase wear resistance, corrosion resistance, surface friction and surface tension by improving material properties. AlCuMg alloys, which are particularly successful in terms of lightness and strength, are produced by the powder metallurgy method, allowing the production of composite materials with very good mechanical properties. In this study, B4C and WC particles of different weights (5, 10 and 15%) were added to the AlCuMg powder mixture using the powder metallurgy method, and composite samples were produced by supplementing both B4C and WC. During the production process, the powders were mixed with a three-dimensional turbula for 1 hour and then subjected to cold pressing. A pressure of 600 MPa was applied during the cold pressing process. The pressed samples were subjected to sintering in an atmosphere-controlled heat treatment furnace in an argon atmosphere at 600℃ for 3 hours. The microstructures of the samples obtained were examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM), and the phases in the internal structures were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) method analysis. Additionally, the hardness values of the samples were measured by microhardness analysis. SEM analysis results show that B4C and WC particles are distributed homogeneously in the internal structure and this distribution results from the three-dimensional turbulent mixing and sintering process. XRD analysis showed that Al2CuMg, AlCuMg, AlB12, MgB4, B4C and CuAl2 phases were formed and Al2CuMg and AlCuMg phases were dominant. According to the microhardness analysis results, an increase in hardness values was observed as B4C and WC reinforcement ratios increased. Experimental studies have revealed that samples with 10% B4C and 10% WC addition reached the highest hardness value (192 HV0.1). These results show that the mechanical and microstructural properties of B4C and WC reinforced AlCuMg composites produced by powder metallurgy method can be improved in a controllable manner and have the potential to be used in industrial applications.