Fabrication, characterization and optimal selection of aluminium alloy 8011 composites reinforced with B4C-aloe vera ash

• Published in: Materials research express 2023-11, Vol.10 (11), p.116513
• Main Authors: Sharma, Rajesh, Pradhan, M K, Jain, Pankaj
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aluminum base alloys; Boron carbide; Mechanical properties; Metal matrix composites; Multiple criterion; Tensile strength
• ISSN: 2053-1591
• DOI: 10.1088/2053-1591/acec32

The aim of this study is to determine the use of B4C along with AVA as economical reinforcements to improve the mechanical properties of aluminium alloy 8011. The purpose of this investigation is the development of cost-effective hybrid metal matrix composites. The present investigation assessed the mechanical characteristics of Al-8011 alloy, Al-8011/3AVA, Al-8011/4B4C, Al-8011/2.5B4C/2.5AVA, and Al-8011/3B4C/3AVA composites, which were manufactured through stir-casting techniques. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging with an energy-dispersive spectroscope (EDS) was performed on the fabricated composites to confirm the presence of reinforcements, and the images revealed a uniform distribution of reinforcements in the matrix. The density of the composite decreased with an increase in weight % of AVA-B4C in comparison with that of matrix aluminum alloy 8011. Results obtained for tensile strength and hardness exhibit the optimal results from adding 3 wt.% B4C with 3 wt.% AVA. The present paper also investigates the application of three multiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) methodological approaches to select the best option.