Structure and mechanical properties of Al–B composite powder

Abstract Al-B composite powder has been obtained by crushing pieces of composite material presenting industrial waste. Structural peculiarities and microhardness of separate powder particles (d∼1 mm) have been investigated. Original design of high precision microhardness tester made it possible to detect the properties of powder both in near-surface layer and below it. The powder represents a new structurally non-homogenous material with the increased microhardness (1.5 GPa) which grows up to 4 GPa in near-surface layers. Stable oxide compounds are formed on internal surfaces and defects of the aluminium alloy. Powder compacts were obtained. Adhesion on Al–B and Al–Al interfaces at various …