Mechanical-wear behavior and microstructure analysis of Al2214 alloy with B4C and graphite particles hybrid composites

Abstract

In the present work, hybrid composites made of Al2214 alloy with B₄C and graphite were produced by using a liquid metallurgical process. Al2214 alloy was utilized to create hybrid composites that had 1.5–6 wt% of B₄C particles and a constant 3 wt% of graphite particles. Microstructural analysis using scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) was done on the produced composites. The density, hardness, ultimate, yield strength, and elongation as a percentage were carried out using ASTM E8 for tensile and E10 standard for hardness test. The wear behavior of Al2214-B₄C and graphite composites was examined as per ASTM G99 standard using a wear testing device under a variety of loads and rotation speeds. Graphite and boron carbide particles were equally dispersed throughout the Al2214 alloy, according to SEM photographs. Graphite and B₄C particles were detected in the Al2214 alloy by EDS and XRD analyses. The density of Al alloy composites was decreased by adding dual particles to the matrix. The Al2214 alloy's hardness, ultimate strength, yield strength, and wear resistance were all enhanced by the inclusion of dual particles, which increased these properties by 15.4%, 40.4%, and 46.7%, respectively. The presence of hybrid particles in the Al2214 alloy was revealed by EDS and XRD patterns. The density of Al alloy composites was decreased by adding dual particles to the matrix. Tensile force micrographs provided further evidence of the unique fracture behaviors shown by the Al2214 alloy and its composites. In order to examine the wear mechanisms and different morphologies of worn surfaces, scanning electron micrographs were taken.