Microstructure Study and Optimization of Hardness and Tensile Strength of AW2024/B4Cp Reinforced Composites Through Linear Regression

The current research is focused on the production of AW2024/B<inf>4</inf>C metal reinforced composite by using the liquid stir casting method. Ceramic particles armored composites are mainly used in engineering applications, which include aircraft, automotive, and marine fields. AW2024/B<inf>4</inf>C composites are produced by changing wt.% of B4Cp as 1.00%, 3.00% and 5.00%. The produced AW2024/B<inf>4</inf>C composites are machined as per ASTM E8-16a, IS1500, and IS7739 standard test size and subjected to artificial ageing. The hardness and tensile strength of AW2024/B<inf>4</inf>C composites were measured through a Brinell hardness tester and a universal testing machine, respectively. The microstructure of the prepared composite material was examined to determine the uniform distribution of reinforcement material. The highest hardness and tensile strength of AW2024/B<inf>4</inf>C composites were measured and found to be 84.97 BHN and 273.82 N/mm2 for AW2024/5%B<inf>4</inf>C with 5 hrs. ageing duration. The results achieved reveal that both hardness as well as tensile strength increased by increasing the weight percentage of B<inf>4</inf>C content. L<inf>9</inf> standard orthogonal display was espoused to investigate the best parameter and also to authenticate the experimental test results. Further, a fracture study was done through SEM images to determine the mode of fracture.