Thermal Properties of Hot Isostatic Pressing Al/B4C Composites with 50wt% B4C Content

The detailed thermal properties and microstructure of Al/B 4 C composites with 50wt% B 4 C content were studied. The Al/B 4 C composites have lower coefficients of thermal expansion compared with aluminum and possess both high thermal and oxidation stability because of the slight weight loss (≤ 3%) in both argon and air atmosphere up to 600 °C. However, the unique features in porosity, composition and microstructure lead to relative low thermal conductivity (15.2 W m −1 K −1 as the maximum) of the obtained Al/B 4 C composites. In addition, the preliminary compressive test indicates the high compressive strength and typical brittle fracture characteristics.