Publication

Abstract : In this work the influence of nickel (Ni) content on mechanical properties of aluminium matrix composite (AMC) was studied. Boron carbide was used as (B4C) reinforcement with aluminium (6061-T6) alloy. The nickel content was varied from 2 wt. % to 8 wt. % keeping boron carbide as constant value of 10 wt. %. The composite blocks were produced by stir casting method. The flux (K2TiF6) was added during melting process to improve the wettability of boron carbide content in the matrix. The dispersion of boron carbide and nickel particles were found to be homogeneous in the matrix by studying the microstructure using an optical microscope. It was observed that as the nickel content increases from 2 wt. % to 8 wt. %, the hardness value correspondingly increases from 121 VHN to 193 VHN. Similarly, the tensile strength also increases from 192 MPa to 305 MPa. The % elongation decreases from 16 to 9 with respect to increase in nickel content. The tensile strength increases and % elongation decreases with hardness of the alloy. © Research India Publications.