Experimental Investigation of Dispersion Effect of TiCP on Mechanical and Tribological Behaviour on LM25 Aluminum-Fly Ash Hybrid Composites

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanical and tribological behaviours of aluminum hybrid composites (AHMCs) reinforced with particles of fly ash and titanium carbide (TiC) adopting the stir casting route. The aluminum matrix (LM25) was reinforced with a constant 5% fly ash and varying proportions of TiC (4, 8, and 12%) to evaluate the dispersion effect of added reinforcements on the fabricated AHMCs. Mechanical properties of tensile strength, hardness, and tribological properties were determined to evaluate the TiC-dispersed AHMCs. The outcomes of experimentation show that inclusion of the reinforcement particle of TiC particle enhances both the mechanical strength and hardness at 42.1 and 50.9% and reduction of wear and COF at 27.2 and 43.7%, respectively, for the fabricated AHMCs, which makes them a suitable material for lightweight applications in aerospace, automotive, and marine sectors. The tribo analysis shows that a significant amount of dispersed TiC makes a strong tribo layer on the contact surface, reducing the abrasive effect of the counter surface.