Worn Surface Analysis and Wear Map Mechanism of AA4032 Composites

Abstract

Abstract The present research work exhibits the effect of reinforcement particles on the mechanical and wear properties of AA4032 hybrid and unhybrid metal matrix composites (MMCs). The unhybrid MMCs were prepared by incorporating titanium carbide (TiC) particles onto the AA4032, whereas the hybrid MMCs were prepared by the addition of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) particles to unhybrid AA4032-TiC composite. The tribological study conducted on the composites reveals that the wear rate was augmented at a higher applied load because of the formation of plastic deformation with some cracks. The generation of shear stress at an elevated applied load increases the coefficient of friction (COF). However, the addition of TiC and h-BN particles decreases the COF and wear rate because of the abrasion resistance and self-lubrication property of TiC and h-BN, respectively. The wear mechanism map study confirms that the hybrid MMCs have better wear resistance properties than the unhybrid MMCs with minimum delamination.