Characterization and Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of Al-Zn Based Hybrid Metal Matrix Composites

Hybrid aluminium matrix composites are preferred for structural applications due to their tailored material properties. In the current study, aluminium-7029 alloy with boron carbide (5, 10, and 15 wt%) and a constant weight percentage of graphite (5 wt%) were produced by the stir casting route. Scanning Electron Microscope and X-Ray Diffraction were used to characterize the composites. The cast alloy and hybrid composites were evaluated for physical (density and porosity) and mechanical (hardness, tensile, compressive and impact) properties by experimental and statistical methods. The porosity of the cast samples was minimal (<5%) and the hybrid composite weight decreased (2.4%) with the increase of reinforcements as revealed by the density test. Al7029/15wt%B4C/5wt%Gr (sample C3) hybrid composite hardness (126 BHN) and compressive strength (586.841 MPa) were found to be the best to get the better property with more reinforcement. Tensile (253.455 MPa) and impact strength (7 J) were the highest for the Al7029/5wt%B4C/5wt%Gr (sample C1) hybrid composite. Results obtained by a regression model developed using MINITAB were in good agreement with experimental values. The additions of B4C and Gr were found to improve mechanical properties significantly, as confirmed by analysis of variance

Effect of B₄C/Gr on Hardness and Wear Behavior of Al2618 Based Hybrid Composites through Taguchi and Artificial Neural Network Analysis

Artificial neural networks (ANNs) have recently gained popularity as useful models for grouping, clustering, and analysis in a wide range of fields. An ANN is a kind of machine learning (ML) model that has become competitive with traditional regression and statistical models in terms of useability. Lightweight composite materials have been acknowledged to be the suitable materials, and they have been widely implemented in various industrial settings due to their adaptability. In this research exploration, hybrid composite materials using Al2618 reinforced with B4C and Gr were prepared and then evaluated for hardness and wear behavior. Reinforced alloys have a higher (approximately 36%) amount of ceramic phases than unreinforced metals. With each B4C and Gr increase, the wear resistance continued to improve. It was found that microscopic structures and an appearance of homogenous particle distribution were observed with an electron microscope, and they revealed a B4C and Gr mixed insulation surface formed as a mechanically mixed layer, and this served as an effective insulation surface that protected the test sample surface from the steel disc. The ANN and Taguchi results confirm that load contributed more to the wear rate of the composites

Advancing the Performance of Ceramic - Reinforced Aluminum Hybrid Composites: A Comprehensive Review and Future Perspectives

Hybrid composites comprising aluminum reinforced with ceramics have surfaced as a potential class of materials that exhibit improved mechanical and thermal characteristics. These composites have a diverse range of applications across multiple industries. The present study offers a thorough examination of recent scholarly investigations pertaining to such composites, with particular emphasis on their mechanical performance, thermal attributes, and interfacial characteristics. This paper offers an extensive evaluation of ceramic-reinforced aluminum composites, along with a discussion of potential solutions and prospects for addressing the existing limitations and challenges. This review explores emerging areas of research, encompassing interface engineering methodologies, sophisticated processing techniques, and the incorporation of innovative reinforcement substances. The present recommendations are geared towards augmenting the efficacy, dependability, and durability of hybrid composites comprising ceramic and aluminum reinforcements

Mechanical Characterization of B4C-Gr Al2618 Based Composites Synthesized by Stir Casting Method

Aerospace and automotive industries rely heavily on aluminium alloys because of their advantageous physical and mechanical properties. This paper presents studies on the performance of stir cast B4C (Boron carbide) and Gr (graphite) reinforced aluminium metal matrix composite (AMMC). Particulate reinforcement of B4C and Gr is in the ratio 2:1 (wt.%). Characterization of AMMC's mechanical properties reveals that the composite has enhanced mechanical properties compared to Al2618. Through Scanning electron microscope(SEM), it is identified that microstructure of AMMC and distribution of B4C and Gr particles in Al2618 are found to be uniform. Based on the results of the experiments, it was determined that the best AMMC mixture for improving the material's mechanical properties is a combination of B4C and Gr, with the proportions at 8:4. As a result, the automobile sector stands to benefit greatly from the use of this AMMC in the production of engine components

Wear behaviour of hybrid (boron carbide-graphite) aluminium matrix composites under high temperature

Abstract Aluminium MMCs are among the many metal composites and are regarded as progressive engineering materials in numerous industries because of their advantages compared to standard aluminium alloy. Among the reinforcements in MMCs, ceramic particles are preferred for their superior wear resistance, temperature resistance, and adhesion to their matrix, making them a popular choice. This research work has been carried out to synthesise ceramic particle-reinforced aluminium metal matrix composites and to evaluate their tribological properties at different temperatures (50–300℃). Al2618 alloy was selected as the matrix, and boron carbide (B4C) and graphite (Gr) were selected as reinforcements. Hybrid composites are prepared through stir casting by varying the wt.% of B4C and Gr reinforcement particles with a ratio of 3:2. Microstructural observation shows the uniform distribution of B4C and Gr particles throughout the matrix without any agglomeration, and it also exhibits excellent scanning electron microscope (SEM). X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) was performed to verify the presence of different constituents in the developed material. Samples S4 (Al 2618 + 12 wt.% B4C—8 wt.% Gr) and S5 (Al 2618 + 15 wt.% B4C—10 wt.% Gr) exhibit enhanced wear resistance (16.45%) due to the incorporation of a higher quantity of Gr solid lubricants alongside B4C within the temperature range of 50 to 300℃. The thickness and stability of the glazed layer exhibited adequate resistance to wear