Experimental Investigation of Mechanical and Thermal Study of Mg/B4C/Cr Hybrid Composites

Abstract

This study explores the investigation of enhanced mechanical and thermal properties of Mg/B4C/Cr hybrid composites having varying 3, 5, 7 wt. % of B₄C and Cr reinforcements in Mg-matrix. The bottom pouring vacuum-based squeezed stir casting process is used to fabricate these composites. The Mg/B₄C/Cr hybrid composites evaluate ultimate strength, elongation percentage, expansion coefficient, heat conductivity, hardness, and then compared with Mg/5B₄C and Mg/5Cr composites. Each of Mg-based hybrid composites results indicates higher thermal conductivity and expansion coefficient than Mg/5B₄C and Mg/5Cr composites. The tensile results reveal that the Mg/B₄C/Cr hybrid composites show mixed morphologic behaviour of brittle-ductile while Mg/5B₄C and Mg/5Cr composites are individually evident with brittle behaviour. The proper interfaces between Cr particles and Mg matrix illustrate reduced dislocations with efficient strength and thermal results. However, B₄C particles present in the base matrix is liable for the effective hardness and ultimate strength in the Mg/B₄C/Cr hybrid composites. In comparison with other composites (Mg/B₄C and Mg/Cr), Mg/B₄C/Cr hybrid composite shows efficient thermal conductivity with high thermal conductance which diverges towards the application of gas cylindrical liners.