A Study on the Optimization of Nano-B4C Content for the Best Wear and Corrosion Properties of the Al-Based Hybrid Nanocomposites

Abstract

This investigation is dedicated to producing hybrid nanocomposites based on AA2024, achieved through the utilization of powder metallurgy methods encompassing mechanical milling and hot pressing. The research focused on studying how changes in B4C content influence the mechanical, wear, and corrosion behavior of AA2024/h-BN/B4C hybrid nanocomposites. The findings revealed that as the B4C content increased, the relative density values decreased, and higher porosity values were observed in the hybrid nanocomposite samples. Among the tested samples, the hybrid nanocomposite with 4 wt% B4C exhibited the most favorable properties. It demonstrated significantly higher hardness and ultimate tensile strength compared to AA2024 matrix alloy, with values of 161 HB and 372 MPa, respectively. In contrast, the matrix alloy showed hardness and ultimate tensile strength values of 105 HB and 237 MPa, respectively. Furthermore, the wear resistance of hybrid nanocomposite with 4 wt% B4C displayed approximately 14 times greater wear resistance under 40 N load compared to the unreinforced AA2024 matrix alloy. The corrosion test results have revealed that the corrosion resistance of the hybrid nanocomposite reinforced with 4wt% B4C is nearly 47% higher compared to the corrosion resistance of the unreinforced AA2024 alloy. This nanocomposite exhibits the highest polarization resistance of 5.21 Ω.cm2.