Mechanical and tribological characteristics of AL7075/MWCNT, B4C & MoS2 hybrid metal matrix composites

Composites are profoundly thriving as replacement of ferrous alloys. The Aluminium is manifested into a greater substitute due to their properties like lightweight, low density, high strength, and good corrosion resistance. An endeavour has been made to synthesize Al7075 aluminium alloy with reinforcement of B4C and MoS2 under various weight percentages of 1.5%, 3%, 4.5% with MWCNT as a constant weight percentage of 0.2% using stir casting process. The cast samples were then extruded and their Mechanical and tribological properties were found. From the microscopical investigation, it has been observed that the reinforcement particles are uniformly distributed in the matrix alloy in aluminium solid solutions. The tensile strength and hardness of the reinforced composites is increased by the addition of reinforcements. Around 81% of the hardness and 4% of tensile strength is increased with the addition of the particulates. The coefficient of friction of the sample is reduced to a maximum of around to 63%. The significant improvement of wear resistance and coefficient of friction of aluminium hybrid composites has been achieved owing to inclusion of solid lubricant (MoS2) along with hard ceramic reinforcement particles (B4C) in the matrix alloy. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the 2nd International Conference on Functional Material, Manufacturing and Performances.

Automated summary

This study successfully improves the mechanical and tribological properties of aluminum-based composites by adding reinforcement materials such as B4C and MoS2. The addition of reinforcing materials increases the hardness and tensile strength of the composites, while reducing the coefficient of friction. Microscopic investigation reveals that the reinforcement particles are uniformly distributed in the matrix alloy of aluminum solid solutions.