Tribological performance and mechanical behavior of graphite based hybrid composites reinforced with silicon carbide particulate

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the mechanical and Tribological Characterization of aluminum metal matrix composites reinforced with silicon carbide particulates ranging from 10% to 20% and five percentage graphite. The metal matrix composites were fabricated using the stir casting technique at temperatures varying from 800 °C to 1000 °C. The Tribological characteristics were evaluated through pin-on-disk tests conducted under dry slipping conditions at room temperature and velocities of 0.979 m/s, using normal pressures ranging from 10 N to 50 N. The worn surfaces were investigated using scanning electron microscopy to elucidate the wear mechanism. Moreover, the study examined the impact of graphite volume fraction and the inclusion of graphite on the mechanical behavior, specifically hardness and tensile strength. The results indicated that the addition of graphite increased the metal matrix composites wear resistance. It was discovered that the wear rate of graphite-reinforced metal matrix composites was lower compared to silicon carbide particulates reinforced composites. Among the silicon carbide particulates reinforced composites, those with a 15% volume fraction demonstrated superior wear resistance, hardness, and tensile strength. The friction coefficients were also raised while the applied load was decreased by the addition of both 15% silicon carbide particulates and 5% graphite.