CANADIAN METALLURGICAL QUARTERLY, cilt.63, sa.2, ss.350-359, 2024 (SCI-Expanded)
B4C (5, 10 and 15 wt %) particles were added to hypereutectic Alumix-231((R)) metal powders to produce composite material. The mixed powders were blended in a triaxial mixer. The production of compact samples was carried out by a hot press process. A hot extrusion secondary treatment was applied to some of the produced samples. Density measurements, microstructure examinations, and measurements of hardness and electrical conductivity were conducted on the samples. Primary Si particles and Cu-, Mg- rich intermetallic phases were observed within the microstructure of the sample produced from pure Alumix-231((R)). B4C particles seemed to be concentrated at the grain boundaries in the hot press samples. Through the secondary process of extrusion, primary Si particles and B4C particles exhibited mechanical fiberization-like dispersion. The samples with a density of over 97% were produced. The hardness of the samples increased with increasing wt % B4C particle ratio. The measured hardness values of the extruded samples were higher than the hot press samples. The extruded samples also showed high electrical conductivity values.