Mechanical behavior and fractography of graphite and boron carbide particulates reinforced A356 alloy hybrid metal matrix composites

The present work shows the mechanical behavior of as-cast A356 alloy and A356-4 wt% graphite (Gr)-12 wt% boron carbide (B4C) hybrid composites. The hybrid composite samples were developed by two stage stir casting technique. The developed hybrid composites were subjected to scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscope to analyze its microstructure followed by physical and mechanical tests like density, hardness, and tensile tests. The SEM analysis showed almost uniform distribution of particulates; also, hardness and tensile properties improved upon addition of reinforcement viz., graphite and B4C. The density of hybrid composite decreased upon addition of reinforcement when compared with base A356 alloy. Fractography of tensile specimens were carried out for analysis of fractured surfaces.The A356-B4C-graphite hybrid composites were developed by two stage stir casting technique. The developed hybrid composites were subjected to SEM to analyze its microstructure followed by physical and mechanical properties like density, hardness, and tensile tests.