Tribological and Microstructural Characterization of LPBF-Fabricated AlSi10Mg Composites with B₄C Reinforcement

S Dhull; S Kumar; J Raj; R Mishra; N Kulkarni

doi:10.5750/ijme.v168iA5(S).1982

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Published: Oct 21, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5750/ijme.v168iA5(S).1982

Keywords:

SEM analysis Wear rate Hardness LPBF process AlSi10Mg alloy

S Dhull

Department of Applied Science (Mechanical), Maharaja Surajmal Institute of Technology, Delhi, India

S Kumar

Mechanical Engineering, Mangalayatan University, Beswan, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, 202146, India

J Raj

Mechanical Engineering, Government Polytechnic, Motihari, Bihar, India

R Mishra

Department of Applied Science & Humanities, G L Bajaj Institute of Technology & Management Greater Noida, India

N Kulkarni

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Parul Institute of Engineering and Technology, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat, India

Abstract

In this investigation, AlSi10Mg matrix composites reinforced with varying boron carbide (B₄C) content (0–3 wt.%)
were fabricated using the LPBF process. The SEM analysis of raw powders confirmed spherical AlSi10Mg particles and angular B₄C particles. Microstructural examination of the fabricated specimens revealed a fine cellular α-Al matrix with a continuous Si-rich eutectic network. Hardness increased progressively with B₄C addition, rising from approximately 132–204 HV. Owing to reinforcement of B4C reinforcement an improvement in hardness was nearly 54%. Tribological studies showed a significant reduction in wear loss, which decreased from around 2.512 mg for 0 wt.% B₄C to nearly 0.715 mg for 3 wt.% B₄C.SEM analysis of worn surfaces demonstrated a transition from severe adhesive and oxidative wear in monolithic AlSi10Mg to mild abrasive and delamination-controlled wear. The enhanced hardness, reduced wear loss, and stable frictional behavior confirm the effectiveness of B₄C reinforcement in improving the tribological performance.

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Vol. 168 No. A5(S) (2026): Integrating Innovation Across Disciplines New Paradigms in Multidisciplinary Research

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