Hybridization of aluminium-silicon alloy with boron carbide and ferrotitanium and the effect on mechanical properties as auto-material

Abstract

Abstract The brittle nature of ceramic reinforcement in metal matrixes has initiated a gap in the utilization of metal-based particles as supplementary reinforcement. This present study investigated the influence of adding FeTi as supplementary reinforcement to B4C and FeTi in an aluminum-silicon (Al-12Si) matrix for automobile applications. The FeTi alloy was introduced at 3, 6, and 9 wt.% alongside the 5 wt.% B4C particles. The effect of such an addition on the morphology, physical, and mechanical properties was examined. The X-ray diffraction pattern identified the presence of B4C and FeTi reinforcing phases alongside Al3Fe and Ti5Si3 phases. The examined morphology revealed that the particles were well dispersed in the matrix, with consequent effects on their properties. Porosity was reported to reduce linearly with a rise in FeTi dosage, consequently engendering a linear rise in density and relatively high density. Inclusive of the hardness, the yield and ultimate strength were enhanced progressively upon a progressive rise in FeTi dosage, with a contrary reduction in ductility. The result revealed that the inclusion of FeTi reinforcing fillers in the matrix is capable of causing an appreciable improvement in the mechanical properties of the composite.