An experimental evaluation of mechanical properties and tribological behaviour of A380/NanohBN composite

Abstract

Aluminium metal matrix composites (AMMC) find its extensive usage and applications in automotive and aerospace industries. Present study deals with exploring the effect of adding hexagonal boron nitride (0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 weight percentage) as reinforcement in matrix material Al A380 alloy, on the mechanical and tribological properties using mechanical stirring. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) are used to characterise fabricated composites. Next, tensile, hardness and wear tests by varying applied loads and sliding speeds using pin on disk tribometer are performed on fabricated composites. It concludes that mechanical stirring distributes the nano powder uniformly and efficiently. The improved ultimate tensile strength, hardness, and tribological properties are observed for fabricated composite as compare to base alloy. Scanning electron microscopy images are used to analyse the worn out surfaces.