Abstract: The present disclosure concerns composite material having improved strength at elevated temperatures. The composite material comprises a matrix of an aluminum alloy (comprising, in weight percent, Si 0.05-0.30, Fe 0.04-0.6, Mn 0.80-1.50, Mg 0.80-1.50 and the balance being aluminum and unavoidable impurities) as well as particles of a filler material dispersed within the matrix. The matrix can optionally comprise Cu and/or Mo. In some embodiments, the composite material comprises, as a filler material, B4C as well as an additive selected from the group consisting of Ti, Cr, V, Nb, Zr, Sr, Sc and any combination thereof. The present disclosure also provides processes for making such composite materials.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy includes, in weight percent, 0.50-1.30% Si, 0.2-0.60% Fe, 0.15% max Cu, 0.5-0.90% Mn, 0.6-1.0% Mg, and 0.20% max Cr, the balance being aluminum and unavoidable impurities. The alloy may include excess Mg over the amount that can be occupied by Mg—Si precipitates. The alloy may be utilized as a matrix material for a composite that includes a filler material dispersed in the matrix material. One such composite may include boron carbide as a filler material, and the resultant composite may be used for neutron shielding applications.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides additives capable of undergoing a peritectic reaction with boron in aluminum-boron carbide composite materials. The additive may be selected from the group consisting of vanadium, zirconium, niobium, strontium, chromium, molybdenum, hafnium, scandium, tantalum, tungsten and combination thereof, is used to maintain the fluidity of the molten composite material, prior to casting, to facilitate castability.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns composite material having improved strength at elevated temperatures. The composite material comprises a matrix of an aluminum alloy (comprising, in weight percent, Si 0.05-0.30, Fe 0.04-0.6, Mn 0.80-1.50, Mg 0.80-1.50 and the balance being aluminum and unavoidable impurities) as well as particles of a filler material dispersed within the matrix. The matrix can optionally comprise Cu and/or Mo. In some embodiments, the composite material comprises, as a filler material, B4C as well as an additive selected from the group consisting of Ti, Cr, V, Nb, Zr, Sr, Sc and any combination thereof. The present disclosure also provides processes for making such composite materials.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy includes, in weight percent, 0.50-1.30% Si, 0.2-0.60% Fe, 0.15% max Cu, 0.5-0.90% Mn, 0.6-1.0% Mg, and 0.20% max Cr, the balance being aluminum and unavoidable impurities. The alloy may include excess Mg over the amount that can be occupied by Mg—Si precipitates. The alloy may be utilized as a matrix material for a composite that includes a filler material dispersed in the matrix material. One such composite may include boron carbide as a filler material, and the resultant composite may be used for neutron shielding applications.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides additives capable of undergoing a peritectic reaction with boron in aluminum-boron carbide composite materials. The additive may be selected from the group consisting of vanadium, zirconium, niobium, strontium, chromium, molybdenum, hafnium, scandium, tantalum, tungsten and combination thereof, is used to maintain the fluidity of the molten composite material, prior to casting, to facilitate castability.

Abstract: An aluminum alloy includes, in weight percent, 0.50-1.30% Si, 0.2-0.60% Fe, 0.15% max Cu, 0.5-0.90% Mn, 0.6-1.0% Mg, and 0.20% max Cr, the balance being aluminum and unavoidable impurities. The alloy may include excess Mg over the amount that can be occupied by Mg—Si precipitates. The alloy may be utilized as a matrix material for a composite that includes a filler material dispersed in the matrix material. One such composite may include boron carbide as a filler material, and the resultant composite may be used for neutron shielding applications.