Influence of AZ91 alloy reinforced with nano B4C particles on microstructural characterization, hardness and tribological properties prepared through powder metallurgy

Abstract

In this present work, a milled B4C nanoparticle was reinforced into the AZ91 alloy with different weight percentages (5, 10, 15, and 20%) by powder metallurgy. XRD and SEM for the crystalline behavior and morphology of the AZ91-xB4C composite. The wear resistance on the load and Sliding Distance (SD) of the specimen has been experimented with the pin-on-disc apparatus and Vickers hardness machine to measure hardness. Wear loss decreased gradually with the addition of milled B4C nanoparticles is identified for AZ91-xB4C nanocomposites. Coefficients of Friction (CoF) increased with an increase in load for AZ91-xB4C nanocomposites. Microhardness was linear with the increase in the wt. % of milled B4C nanoparticles. The worn surface micrograph was also studied using a scanning electron microscope.