Studies on properties of as-cast Al6061-WC-Gr hybrid MMCs

Abstract

Aluminum (Al) alloys started replacing cast iron and bronze alloys in the manufacture of wear-resistant parts and are materials of interest owing to their low density, higher strength to weight ratio, which is an additional advantage in aerospace, marine and automotive applications. Al-metal matrix composite (MMC) materials are very much popular due to the reason that these composites possess good mechanical properties and higher wear resistance. This article is aimed to present the experimental results of microstructure, hardness, tensile, yield and compression strength, percentagage elongation, volumetric wear loss, and wear rate of Al6061-Tungsten Carbide (WC)-Graphite (Gr) reinforced hybrid MMCs. The composites were prepared using the liquid metallurgy technique, in which 0 to 4 wt% of WC particulates were dispersed into the matrix alloy in steps of 1 wt% by maintaining the Gr to 4 wt% constant. The experimental results indicate that the density of the hybrid-MMCs increases with increased WC content and further, agree to the values obtained through the rule of mixtures. The physical, mechanical and the tribological properties of the Al6061-WC-Gr hybrid MMCs were found to increase with increased WC content in the matrix at the cost of reduced ductility. The WC and Gr reinforcements contributed significantly in improving the wear resistance of Al6061-WC-Gr hybrid MMCs.

Effect of Wetting Agent and Carbide Volume Fraction on the Wear Response of Aluminum Matrix Composites Reinforced by WC Nanoparticles and Aluminide Particles

“…Moreover, just a small amount of heavy refractory powder as a reinforcement is enough to lead to notable mechanical property improvements [12]. Fabrication of AMCs reinforced by WC micro-particles by powder metallurgy and casting methods is currently receiving a growing research attention owing to a significant improvement of mechanical properties (at the expense, however, of ductility [13]) and increase in the wear resist-ance [14,15]. (b2) Application of mechanical stirring that can support the favorable wetting characteristics of less than 90° contact angle and provide the necessary shear forces for total particle insertion [16].…”

An overview of diversified reinforcement on aluminum metal matrix composites: Tribological aspects

“…The results of WR and COF for both as-cast and as-heat-treated composites were followed by normal distribution technique. Normal distribution probability density functions of WR for cast and heat-treated composites are shown in equations (7) and (8), respectively. Similarly, COF for cast and heat-treated composites are expressed in equations (9) and (10), respectively.…”

“…So, by combining a tough metallic matrix with hard ceramic reinforcement, excellent engineering properties can be developed. 7,8 In recent years, AMCs are becoming attractive in fields of structural, tribological, thermal, electrical, and environmental engineering because they offer advantages such as high strength-to-weight ratio, good wear and corrosion resistance, high thermal and electrical conductivity, high fatigue strength, etc. AMCs have been used in a wide range of applications ranging from aircraft structures to bicycle, medical apparatus to electronic packaging and space vehicles to home appliances.…”

Solid particle erosion response of aluminum reinforced with tungsten carbide nanoparticles and aluminide particles

“…The current experimental effort adopts a combination of simple wettability improving measures, such as: (1) The use of wetting agents (commonly fluoride salts) that promote the intinate contact between ceramic particles and molten alloy by dissolving surface oxides [5][6][7][8][9], (2) the application of mechanical stirring that can support the favorable wetting characteristics of less than 90° contact angle and provide the necessary shear forces for total particle insertion [10] and (3) the introduction of ceramic phases of strong metallic character, such as WC. Fabrication of AMCs reinforced by WC micro-particles by powder metallurgy and casting methods is currently receiving a growing research attention owing to a significant improvement of mechanical properties and increase in the wear resistance [11,12].…”