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Investigation of Mechanical and Tribological Behaviour of Heat-Treated Functionally Graded Al-7Si/B4C Composite

Publication Type : Journal Article

Publisher : Silicon

Source : Silicon, Volume 12, Issue 9, p.2073 - 2085 (2020)

Url : https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12633-019-00294-3

Keywords : Aluminium, B4C, Heat treatment, Mechanical properties, Reciprocating wear

Campus : Coimbatore

School : School of Engineering

Department : Mechanical Engineering

Year : 2020

Abstract : The current study focuses on improving the mechanical and reciprocating wear characteristics of centrifugally cast functionally graded A356(Al-7Si-0.3 Mg)/10 wt.% B4C composite through T6 heat-treatment. Comparative analysis was performed between as-cast and heat-treated composite. Metallographic analysis confirmed the presence of reinforcement particles alongside grain boundaries and spheroidised eutectic silicon particles in heat-treated composite. Outer layer of heat-treated composite displayed superior hardness (24.09%), ultimate tensile strength (44.8%) and tribological properties when compared to outer layer of as-cast composite. With increasing applied load (15, 25, 35 N), wear rate and co-efficient of friction increased whereas wear rate and co-efficient of friction decreased as sliding distance (500, 1000, 1500 m) increased. Worn morphologies confirmed extreme delamination wear and particle pull-out at high applied loads whereas traces of oxide formations were observed at high sliding distance. Heat-treated composites have superior characteristics due to the presence of spheroidised eutectic silicon particles and precipitate formation, which makes it an alternative material for reciprocating applications in aerospace and automotive industry.

Cite this Research Publication : R. Jojith and Dr. Radhika N, “Investigation of Mechanical and Tribological Behaviour of Heat-Treated Functionally Graded Al-7Si/B4C Composite”, Silicon, vol. 12, no. 9, pp. 2073 - 2085, 2020.

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