Reaction products of Al–Mg/B4C composite fabricated by pressureless infiltration technique

The interfacial reaction products of the Al/B4Cp composite fabricated by the pressureless infiltration method were analyzed by XRD, SEM, EDS, AES, and TEM. Since the spontaneous infiltration of molten Al–Mg alloys into the powder bed containing B4C particles occurred at 800°C for 1 h under a nitrogen atmosphere, it was possible to fabricate Al–Mg alloy matrix composites reinforced with B4C particles. During fabrication of composites various reaction products were formed in the Al matrix as well as on the surface of B4C particles by the severe interfacial reaction between the Al alloy and the B4C particles. From the SADP and CBED analysis, it could identify that AlB2, β-AlB12 (Al3B48C2), AlB10 (AlB24C4), and Al3BC were formed as interfacial reaction products.