Microstructural Characterization and Wear Studies of T6 Heat-Treated A6082 Composite Reinforced with Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia

Abstract

This study focused on investigating the wear properties of a T6 heat-treated A6082 composite reinforced with Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ). The primary objective was to assess how the reinforcement and heat treatment affected the wear parameters of the composite material. The base material chosen for the composite was A6082 alloy, which possesses excellent mechanical and tribological qualities. YSZ, known for its high hardness and wear resistance, was selected as the reinforcing phase. The T6 thermal treatment was applied to the A6082 composite to enhance its mechanical properties and induce precipitation hardening. To evaluate the wear characteristics of the composite, a pin-on-disc tribometer was utilized. This test setup represents real-world sliding contact conditions that the composite material might encounter. Several parameters were measured during the wear testing, including wear loss, friction coefficient, and wear mechanism, to assess the composite’s durability under abrasion. The results of the study demonstrated that increasing the YSZ concentration in the base alloy led to a reduction in material loss and friction coefficient. This improvement can be attributed to the hardness and wear-resistant properties of YSZ. The addition of YSZ reinforcement significantly enhanced the wear resistance of the T6 heat-treated A6082 composite. Furthermore, the T6 heat treatment process also improved the wear properties of the composite. Precipitation hardening occurred, resulting in improved mechanical qualities such as strength and hardness, ultimately leading to increased wear resistance. Microscopic analysis of the worn surfaces revealed that the wear mechanism of the composite shifted from severe abrasive wear to moderate adhesive wear after undergoing the T6 heat treatment. The transformation in wear mechanism is believed to be facilitated by the formation of strengthening precipitates during the heat treatment. These precipitates limited the amount of material lost during the wear test, thereby decreasing both material loss and friction coefficient. In summary, this study demonstrates that the addition of YSZ reinforcement and the T6 heat treatment process effectively enhance the wear properties of the A6082 composite. The presence of YSZ reduces material loss and friction coefficient, while the T6 heat treatment produces precipitation hardening, leading to improved wear resistance.