Investigation on the dry sliding friction and wear behavior of AA6351-SiC-B4C hybrid metal matrix composites

Abstract

In the present study, the effect of wear test parameters on dry sliding wear behavior of aluminum matrix alloy (AA6351) with 5 wt% silicon carbide and 5 wt% boron carbide-reinforced hybrid metal matrix composites was investigated. Wear performance of the hybrid composites was evaluated over an applied load range of 20–100 N and sliding velocities ranging from 1 to 5 m/s. The experimental results show that the hybrid composites retain the wear resistance properties up to load of 60 N and sliding velocities ranges 1–3 m/s. Metallurgical examinations were also carried out to assess the effect of silicon carbide and boron carbide particles on the wear mechanisms. The enhancement of wear resistance was achieved with the addition of small amount of silicon carbide and boron carbide reinforcement particles with aluminum matrix alloy.