Synthesis and characterization of nanocrystalline Al 2024–B4C composite powders by mechanical alloying

In the present work, the effect of milling parameters on the morphology and microstructure of nanostructure Al2024–B4C composite powders obtained by mechanical alloying (MA) was studied. The effects of milling time and B4C content on the morphology, microstructure and particle size of nanostructure Al2024–B4C composite powders have been investigated. Different amounts of B4C particles (0, 5, 10 and 20 wt.%) were mixed with Al2024 powders and milled in a planetary ball mill for 30, 60, 120, 300, 420 and 600 min. Al 2024–B4C composite powders were characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), laser particle-size analyzer, X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and the Vickers microhardness test. The results showed that the nanostructure Al2024–B4C composite powders were produced when they were milled for 600 min. The size of composite powder in the milled powder mixture was affected by the milling time and content of B4C particles. Moreover, it was observed that when MA reached a steady state, the properties of composite powders were stabilized.