Tribological study on hybrid reinforced aluminium-based metal matrix composites

Abstract

The demand for aluminium-based metal matrix composites is growing in aerospace and automotive industries because of its good corrosion resistance and high strength to weight ratio. The present work focuses on tribological characteristics of stir cast hybrid composites synthesised with AA6063, Boron carbide and zirconium silicate. Composite specimens were prepared with three percentages of reinforcement materials by weight, i.e., 3%, 6% and 9%, and the matrix material at 88%. Tribological experiments were conducted on the specimens with a pin-on-disc tribometer, using L9 orthogonal array experiments with various parameters including load, speed and time. SEM and optical micrographs were employed to investigate the mode of wear mechanism on worn out surfaces of the specimens. The investigation has confirmed that the hybrid composite synthesised with 3% boron carbide and 9% zirconium silicate has shown an enhanced wear resistance with a lower coefficient of friction as compared to the other composites.