Mechanical and tribological behavior of a hybrid WC and Al₂O₃ reinforced Al–4Gr composite

Abstract

The development of aluminum (Al) based composites has been an interesting subject to sustain technological developments in the defense, automotive, and aerospace industries. In this study, the microstructure, mechanical, and tribological performances of hybrid Al composites reinforced with fixed ratio (4 %) graphite (Gr) and two different reinforcement materials such as tungsten carbide (WC) and aluminum oxide (Al2O3) at different ratios were investigated. The impact of hybrid reinforcement and its ratios on the relative density value and hardness performance were investigated. The results of three different loads (1, 2, and 3 N) and three different sliding distances (200, 300, and 400 m) on wear performance were analyzed using Taguchi’s L18 experimental design. High relative density (94.39 %) and hardness (74.26) values were achieved by hot pressing. It has been determined that hybrid reinforcements have positive effects on wear performance. The lowest SWR value was recorded as 7.82 × 10−5 mm3/N.m in composite no Al-6. As the applied load raised, the friction coefficients decreased. On the other hand, the sliding distance and the increased applied load caused the temperatures to rise. With Al–4Gr/WC–Al2O3 composite material, a new AMMC has been presented to the literature, which has remarkable hardness and wear properties, and can show better ductility and machinability compared to equivalent materials.