Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of an Al – Mg – Mn – Zr – Sc – B4C Deformable Composite Material

Abstract

Mechanical stirring of particles into a melt is used to obtain a composite material based on alloy Al – 3.5% Mg – 0.4% Mn – 0.15% Zr – 0.15% Sc reinforced with particles of B₄C. The microstructure, the phase composition, the density, the adaptability to rolling, and the mechanical properties of the composite material are determined. The material has a high corrosion resistance and a yield strength exceeding 245 MPa, which is higher than the yield strength of the steels used today for making spent-fuel storage racks.