Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Materials Chemistry and Physics, cilt.353, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
This study aimed to develop hybrid composite materials made of A7075 aluminum/boron carbide (B4C) with a hard outer region and a soft inner core, inspired by natural structures such as teeth and bones, to provide high toughness. Production was carried out using the powder metallurgy method, with ball milling times (1, 2, 3 h) and layer configurations (3, 5, 7 layers) in accordance with the functional graded material (FGM) principle. The experiments were designed using the Taguchi method for systematic optimization, and three different compression pressures (300, 400, 500 MPa), sintering times (1, 2, 3 h), and sintering temperatures (550, 570, 590 °C) were investigated. The powders were characterized prior to production using XRD, SEM, and particle size analysis. The performance of the produced composites was evaluated using compressive strength tests in accordance with ASTM E9, as well as hardness and density tests and SEM microstructure analysis. Data analyzed using the Taguchi method revealed the critical effects of processing parameters on mechanical properties. The highest compressive strength (339.1 MPa) and toughness values were obtained with a 3-h ball milling time and a 3-layer FGM structure, while sintering parameters of 590 °C and 3 h, while 550 °C and 2 h provided the highest hardness (170 HB). In powder characterization, it was observed that as the grinding time increased, the particle size decreased and the B4C phase was homogeneously distributed, despite the initial agglomeration tendency. The results and parameter optimizations obtained through Taguchi analysis provide a comprehensive reference for further research. The analyses clearly show that the production recipe changes depending on the targeted property (pressure resistance, hardness, or density). The developed FGM composites can be used in applications such as arm and knee protectors thanks to their high strength and toughness properties, as well as the high hardness advantage they provide. Additionally, the combination of wear resistance and toughness resulting from high hardness offers great potential for future studies such as brake discs.