Enhanced Mechanical and Tribological Performance of Magnesium–Boron Carbide Composites Fabricated via Stir Casting for Lightweight Structural Applications

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Issue : 04 | Page : 29 39
    By

    P. Saravana Kumar,

  • H. Vinoth Kumar,

  • P. Pramerla,

  • Bindu S S,

  • G. Saveetha,

  • Nellore Manoj Kumar,

  • Avinash Kumar,

  • M. Mathiyarasi,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University college of Engineering Arni, Thatchur, Tamil Nadu, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Easwari Engineering College, Ramapuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  3. Associate Professor, Department of Physics, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R& D Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  4. Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rajadhani Institute of Engineering and Technology, Nagaroor, Kerala, India
  5. Associate Professor, Department of Mathematics, Kongunadu College of Engineering and Technology, Trichy, Tamil Nadu, India
  6. Adjunct Faculty, Department of Mathematics, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
  7. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Cambridge Institute of Technology, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
  8. Assistant Professor, Department of Aeronautical Engineering, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

This study investigates the fabrication and evaluation of properties of magnesium (Mg) matrix composites reinforced with boron carbide (B₄C) for lightweight structural applications. Stir casting was employed to incorporate B₄C particles at varying weight fractions (0%, 3%, 6%, and 9%) into the magnesium matrix. The influence of B₄C on density, porosity, hardness, tensile strength, and wear resistance was systematically examined. Theoretical density increased from 1.74 g/cm³ (pure Mg) to 1.88 g/cm³ (9 wt% B₄C), while measured density showed slight reductions due to increased porosity, reaching up to 4.3% in the 9 wt% composite. Microhardness improved significantly, with values rising from 45 HV for pure Mg to 82 HV for the 9 wt% B₄C composite, marking an 82% increase. Ultimate tensile strength peaked at 151 MPa for the 6 wt% B₄C composite, compared to 120 MPa for pure Mg, while ductility declined from 7.8% to 3.9% with increasing reinforcement. Wear resistance improved substantially, with wear rate decreasing from 0.0082 g/Nm in pure Mg to 0.0042 g/Nm in the 9 wt% B₄C composite. These enhancements are attributed to grain refinement, dislocation strengthening, and the barrier effect of B₄C particles. The optimal performance was observed in the 6 wt% B₄C composite for mechanical strength and 9 wt% for wear resistance, offering application-specific advantages.

Keywords: Magnesium matrix composites, boron carbide (B₄C) reinforcement, stir casting, mechanical properties, wear resistance.

[This article belongs to Journal of Polymer and Composites ]

How to cite this article:
P. Saravana Kumar, H. Vinoth Kumar, P. Pramerla, Bindu S S, G. Saveetha, Nellore Manoj Kumar, Avinash Kumar, M. Mathiyarasi. Enhanced Mechanical and Tribological Performance of Magnesium–Boron Carbide Composites Fabricated via Stir Casting for Lightweight Structural Applications. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(04):29-39.
How to cite this URL:
P. Saravana Kumar, H. Vinoth Kumar, P. Pramerla, Bindu S S, G. Saveetha, Nellore Manoj Kumar, Avinash Kumar, M. Mathiyarasi. Enhanced Mechanical and Tribological Performance of Magnesium–Boron Carbide Composites Fabricated via Stir Casting for Lightweight Structural Applications. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(04):29-39. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=213241


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
Issue 04
Received 15/05/2025
Accepted 27/05/2025
Published 05/06/2025
Publication Time 21 Days
179


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