Characterisation and evaluation of Al-8011 metal matrix composites reinforced with B₄C+ carbon nano tubes particulate

In this study, a novel metal matrix composite (MMC) was created by reinforcing an Al-8011 alloy with carbon nanotube (CNT) and boron carbide (B4C) hybrid particles. The composites' density (ρ), Poisson's ratio (v), and Young's modulus (E) were calculated using the rule of mixture. Hardness, tensile, and compression strengths were measured on relevant specimens according to ASTM standards. The hybrid reinforced composite (5% B4C + 1.5% CNT) reached 123.6 HRA in the hardness test. 5% B4C + 1.5% CNT reinforcement improved tensile strength to 310.2 MPa. Compression strength, on the other hand, reduced as B4C and CNT percentages increased. For applications demanding the greatest hardness and tensile stresses, the MMC of Al-8011 alloys with 5% B4C and 1.5% CNT was optimal. For the most compressive applications, it was determined that Al-8011 doped with 1% B4C and 1.5% CNT would be the optimal choice. The hybrid reinforcements of B4C and CNT improved the composite, making it suitable for structural applications.