Effect of B4C and waste porcelain ceramic particulate reinforcements on mechanical and tribological characteristics of high strength AA7075 based hybrid composite

Abstract

In the present research, B4C (constant = 4 wt.%) and X-wt.% of waste Porcelain (P) (X = 0, 4, 8, 12 and 16) particulates, reinforced into AA7075 hybrid aluminium metal-ceramics composites (AMCs) manufactured using the stir casting route were investigated. Microstructures, compositional elements and worn surfaces were analysed to understand their tribological behaviour. The physical as well as mechanical strength of AMCs were also investigated experimentally. The obtained results highlight that the density of hybrid AMCs decreased by increasing the porcelain particulates in the composite matrix (AA7075+B4C). While, mechanical strength such as micro hardness, tensile strength and compressive strength were increased due to presence of the increased ceramic phases. Furthermore, the wear loss and values of coefficient of friction was reduced with porcelain content increments up to a critical value, after which it began to grow. Finally, in order to elucidate the wear mechanism of hybrid AMC, the worn surfaces were examined with FESEM. The obtained results indicated that the hybrid composite AA7075/4B4C containing 12 wt.% Porcelain particulates enabled the best wear properties.