Enhanced Mechanical Properties of AA6082 Matrix Composites Reinforced with B₄C and TiO₂: A Powder Metallurgy Approach

This study investigates the production of B₄C, TiO₂, and B₄C + TiO₂ reinforced functional-grade composite materials (FGCM) and functional-grade hybrid composite materials (FGHCM) with an AA6082 matrix by using the powder metallurgy method at weight percentages ranging from 0 to 50%. The refractive indexes (XRD) and microstructure of the used powders were analyzed. The mechanical properties, including transverse rupture strength (TRS), and microstructural characteristics, were examined through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Among the produced samples, AA6082 exhibited the highest relative density at 99.68%. The addition of reinforcement materials into the AA6082 matrix led to a decrease in the relative density of the composites. The TRS of the functionally graded materials decreased due to the nonhomogeneous distribution of reinforcement phases and the resulting notch effect. The results indicate that the reinforcement distribution should be further optimized to improve the mechanical properties, such as the transverse rupture strength of the ceramic reinforcement AA6082 composite. These findings suggest that ceramic-reinforced AA6082 composites hold potential for advanced engineering applications, although improvements in phase distribution uniformity are necessary for optimized performance.