Investigation of Dry Tribo-Behavior of Aluminum Alloy AA6061/Al2O3/Graphite Composites Synthesized by Stir Casting Technique

Abstract

In order to meet the requirements of lightweight, high strength, and wear resistance, metal matrix composites are being manufactured with increasing interest, according to recent advancements in material science. Alumina (Al2O3) and Graphite (Gr) were added to the aluminum alloy matrix (AA6061) to increase the dry sliding wear resistance and to explore the impact of normal applied load and sliding speed on the coefficient of friction as well as its wear behavior. The composites were made by the stir casting technique. Hardness and tensile strength were two examples of mechanical qualities that have been assessed. Compared to the unreinforced aluminum alloy, the tensile strength of the metal matrix composites was improved by 17.7%, and the hardness increased by 44.1% at a loading of AA6061 (90wt%)/ Al2O3(5wt%)/Gr (5wt%). A pin-on-disc tribometer was utilized to analyze the dry sliding tribo-behaviors of AA 6061 alloy reinforced with Al2O3and Gr by varying the applied load and the sliding distance. The wear resistance of aluminum alloy reinforced with Gr (5wt%)/Al2O3(5wt%) increased by 85.0% when the load was applied at 25N compared to unreinforced aluminum alloy, and the frictional coefficient decreased by 58.0%. Additionally, an optical microscope and scanning electronic microscope were used to assess the worn surfaces.