Optical Microscopy Dataset of Al10Cu–7.5 wt.% B4C Composites Produced by Powder Metallurgy

This dataset provides optical microscopy images of Al10Cu matrix composites reinforced with 7.5 wt.% B4C, manufactured via the powder metallurgy route. For metallographic preparation, samples were mounted in acrylic resin, ground with abrasive papers up to #1200, and polished with diamond suspensions followed by OP-S. Etching was carried out using a 0.5% aqueous HF solution to reveal the microstructural features. The imaging was performed with a Polyvar Met light microscope at magnifications up to 500×.

The images illustrate key features of the composite, including the dispersion of B4C reinforcement, interfacial regions between the ceramic phase and the Al10Cu matrix, as well as porosity and particle pull-out effects. This open-access dataset can be used as a reference for researchers studying Al-B4C composites, microstructural characterization of powder metallurgy materials, and their correlation with mechanical and tribological properties.