Application of the Continuous Indentation Test Method for the Characterization of Mechanical Properties of B4C/Al Composites

The principal aim of the present study was to apply the continuous instrumented indentation testing with the Oliver-Pharr method for analysing the load-depth data in determination of mechanical properties of boron carbide/aluminium composites. The indentation tests were carried out at different applied load values (from 10 to 100 N) using Zwick 2.5/TS1S machine and a Vickers indenter. The hardness and reduced elastic modulus of composites were estimated from the unloading part of the indentation curve. The Vickers hardness numbers were compared with those obtained using conventional indentation, performed with Indentec 5030 SKV hardness tester.