Effect of heat treatment on mechanical and tribological properties of aluminum metal matrix composites

Abstract

LM25 aluminum alloy reinforced with 10 wt% of TiB2, WC, and ZrO2 were squeeze cast to investigate the effect of T6 heat treatment on tribo-mechanical properties. Among all, WC-reinforced composite achieved superior mechanical properties at the aging time of 8 h. Microstructural examination performed on all composites and alloy concluded that the presence of WC in T6 LM25 caused reduction of α-Al dendrite size, exhibiting superior properties for this composite. X-ray diffraction analysis conducted on alloy and WC-reinforced superior composite revealed formations of phases, which improved their mechanical properties. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis quantified the actual intensity of WC presence in the superior composite along with its other constituents. Response surface methodology model developed for wear test of the superior composite involves parametric range like applied load (10–50 N), sliding velocity (1–4 m/s), and sliding distance (500–2500 m). Analysis of variance along with regression analysis proved that, statistical analytical model developed good relationship between the actual wear rate and process parameters. Response surface plots represented the linearly increasing wear trend with respect to load and sliding distance. Wear rate dropped initially and raised later on along with velocity. Scanning electron microscopy exhibited the surface deformation prevailing on the composite surface at high load.

Tribological and mechanical characterization of as-cast and thermal treated Al-9Si/SiC graded composite

“…These loose debris form a tribo-layer composition (MML). [64][65] Based on the obtained COF results at 55 N, it is confirmed that the values are in accordance with the tribolayer consisting Fe, Al, and oxides, which is produced out of sliding action over the counter plate. Similar observations are reported during the mono-directional dry sliding action of Al/13wt%B 4 C composites against a phenol-based brake pads.…”

Development and characterization of Al2024/magnesium oxide/CNTs/ hybrid composites via stir casting method

“…47 The chance between the measured density and theoretical density values display the porosity percentage in produced compositions and may impress the properties the composites. From the density and porosity studies, it can be analyzed that the moderate increase in the theoretical density value is due to the higher density of MgO particles (3.58 g/cm 3 ) than the matrix alloy density (2.96 g/ cm 3 ). Besides, the air entrapment above the melting point and trapped gases inside the agglomerated particulates might be decreased the density and raised the porosity content of the composites.…”

“…The composite materials are materials produced to obtain new materials with the desired properties by the combination of various materials. [1][2][3][4] Metal matrix composites (MMCs) are mostly used in space, defense, automotive, and aviation fields, such as space telescopes, platform carrier parts, reflectors, and support parts of space communication devices, due to their lightweight, high specific strength, fatigue resistance, wear resistance and corrosion resistance, and electrical conductivity properties. [5][6][7][8] MMCs are obtained by applying advanced techniques such as stir casting, powder metallurgy, compo-casting, squeeze casting, melting vacuum impregnation, hot pressing, and diffusion welding by adding different reinforcement materials into a metallic phase.…”

Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Aluminum-Based Metal-Matrix Composites

“…The composite with 4 wt.% Ti exhibited the highest weight loss and showed extensive plastic deformation when examined under electron microscope. Sam et al [ 84 ] reported tribo-mechanical studies on an LM25 composite reinforced with TiB 2 , WC, and ZrO 2 and produced by squeeze-casting. The cast composite was solutionized at 520 °C for about 8 h, followed by aging at 165 °C for 4, 6, and 8 h. The wear tests were conducted as per the RSM model with applied load, sliding speed, and distance ranging from 10–50 N, 1–4 m/s, and 500–2500 m, respectively.…”