Abstract Nowadays, Al–B4C metal matrix composites are widely used in storage pools or dual-purpose casks of spent nuclear fuel as neutron absorbers. B4C with 19.8% of B10 natural isotope with high cross section 760 barn and non-emitting radioactive isotopes is an ideal material for neutron absorption. There are solid-state and liquid-state methods for fabricating these composites. In this study, the various fabrication methods of Al–B4C composite including stir casting, powder metallurgy, infiltration of melt into the porous preform and rolling have been investigated. The fabrication methods have been compared in microstructural, mechanical, and physical properties. Powder metallurgy is one of the better ways to achieve uniform distribution of reinforcement particles in matrix alloy. The main challenges in stir casting process are inhomogeneous distribution of boron carbide particles, agglomeration of particles and low wetting behavior of ceramic reinforcement by molten aluminum. In melt-infiltration, it is very difficult to control the pore size of composites. In the rolling fabrication method, increasing the percentage of boron carbide in the metal matrix made the binary composite brittle and reduced its tensile strength. According to the results of the most recent scientific and technical research, it seems that powder metallurgy and post-hot rolling method lead to better mechanical and microstructural properties than other methods.
展开▼
