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The performance of pressure assisted casting process to improve the mechanical properties of Al-Si-Mg alloys matrix reinforced with coated B4C particles

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Abstract

Stringent requirements of material quality in automotive and aerospace industries have necessitated the development of lightweight aluminum alloy matrix composites. In this study, the Al–Si alloy matrix-reinforced B4C particles are fabricated by squeeze casting process. The inherent fast heat transfer of the squeeze casting process permits only very short liquid metal–particle contact time with a greatly reduced risk of particle–matrix interaction. This makes squeeze casting process ideal for the manufacture of B4C-reinforced Al matrix composites. TiB2 was coated on the surface of the B4C particles to have higher wettability with aluminum. Experimental results show strong adhesion at the particle/matrix interface which improves load transfer, increases the yield strength and stiffness, and delays the onsets of particle/matrix decohesion.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Materials Science, Lenjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran

    Ali Mazahery & Mohsen Ostad Shabani

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  1. Ali Mazahery
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  2. Mohsen Ostad Shabani
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Correspondence to Mohsen Ostad Shabani.

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Mazahery, A., Shabani, M.O. The performance of pressure assisted casting process to improve the mechanical properties of Al-Si-Mg alloys matrix reinforced with coated B4C particles. Int J Adv Manuf Technol 76, 263–270 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-014-6266-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00170-014-6266-9

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