Enhanced Mechanical Properties of AA6082 Matrix Composites Reinforced with B4C and TiO2 - A Powder Metallurgy Approach

Sep 29, 2026

Study of B4C, TiO2, and B4C+TiO2 reinforced functional-grade composite materials and functional-grade hybrid composite materials using an AA6082 matrix via powder metallurgy. Reinforcement contents range from 0 to 50 wt%, with powder refractive index and microstructure characterized by XRD. Mechanical behavior, including transverse rupture strength (TRS), is assessed using SEM and EDS, showing AA6082 reaches 99.68% relative density, while TRS declines with nonhomogeneous reinforcement distribution and notch effects. Results support optimizing reinforcement distribution for improved TRS in ceramic-reinforced AA6082 for advanced engineering use.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages11

Reading Time28 min

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Abstract

Introduction

This article is licensed under CC-BY 4.0 [http://pubs.acs.org/journal/acsodf](http://pubs.acs.org/journal/acsodf) Article Enhanced Mechanical Properties of AA6082 Matrix Composites Reinforced with B4C and TiO2 : A Powder Metallurgy Approach Z̈ubeyde ZKAN, Uur GKMEN, * and Sema Bilge OCAK Cite This: ACS Omega 2025, 10, 58123−58133 Read Online | | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | ACCESS | Metrics & More | | Article Recommendations | ABSTRACT: This study investigates the production of B4C, TiO2, and B4C + TiO2 reinforced functional-grade composite materials (FGCM) and functional-grade hybrid composite materials (FGHCM) with an AA6082 matrix by using the powder metallurgy method at weight percentages ranging from 0 to 50%. The refractive indexes (XRD) and microstructure of the used powders were analyzed. The mechanical properties, including transverse rupture strength (TRS), and microstructural characteristics, were examined through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Among the produced samples, AA6082 exhibited the highest relative density at 99.68%. The addition of reinforcement materials into the AA6082 matrix led to a decrease in the relative density of the composites. The TRS of the functionally graded materials decreased due to the nonhomogeneous distribution of reinforcement phasesand the resulting notch effect. The results indicate that the reinforcement distribution should be further optimized to improve the mechanical properties, such as the transverse rupture strength of the ceramic reinforcement AA6082 composite. These findings suggest that ceramic-reinforced AA6082 composites hold potential for advanced engineering applications, although improvements in phase distribution uniformity are necessary for optimized performance. 1. INTRODUCTION Composite materials with nonuniform changes in composition and material structure throughout their volume are known as functionally graded composite materials (FGCM) . The compositional gradient within FGCMs can be varied continuously or stepwise, depending on the design and functional requirements. FGCMs composed of ceramic and metal components can achieve the desired mechanical properties through a functionally graded design. FGCMs combine the outstanding properties of metals and ceramics in a single volume. The issues that occur during transitions between brittle and ductile materials can be mitigated by using FGMs that distribute reinforcing elements at various angles within a single structure. As a result, structures made with uniformly distributed reinforcement particles can effectively overcome this challenge. 1−3 Due to their superior performance, FGCMs are widely applied in aerospace, bioengineering, electronic components, medicine, and ceramics.4,5 FGCMs can be fabricated using various methods, including electrochemical processing, laser powder bed fusion, physical vapor deposition, additive manufacturing, plasma or thermal spraying, powder metallurgy, and chemical vapor deposition.6−8 Among these, the powder metallurgy (PM) method effectively minimizes material losses and production costs. With PM, cost-effective machinery is used, consuming less energy while producing materials of various sizes and complex geometries at lower temperatures. Furthermore, working with powdered materials allows for the incorporation of different chemical compositions. By reduction of the pores between powder particles, this method enhances the mechanical and corrosion resistance of materials. Additionally, it is ideal for producing gradient materials, as it facilitates the gradual creation of functionally graded structures.9−11 Aluminum alloys, particularly AA6082, play a crucial role in creating lightweight materials for various industries, including automotive, weapon manufacturing, aerospace, electronics, and naval sectors. The low density, corrosion resistance, impressive specific strength, and outstanding therm

FAQs

What materials and reinforcement types are investigated in the study?

The study examines AA6082 matrix composites reinforced with B4C, TiO2, and a B4C+TiO2 combination, forming functional-grade and functional-grade hybrid composites.

How are the composite materials produced and what reinforcement content range is used?

Composites are fabricated using the powder metallurgy method with reinforcement weight percentages from 0% to 50%.

What characterization methods are used to evaluate microstructure and properties?

XRD is used for refractive index and powder microstructure analysis, while mechanical properties like TRS are evaluated with SEM, supported by EDS for microstructural composition.

Sep 29, 2026

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