Mechanical and wear behaviour of TiB₂-B₄C reinforced Al7075 alloy hybrid composites for aerospace applications

ABSTRACT

Present study focuses on the production and characterization of stir cast Al7075-TiB2-B4C hybrid composite. Different weight % of second phase reinforcement has been added with 2, 4, 6, 8 % TiB2, and 4 % B4C. The morphology of the composites shows uniform distribution of reinforcement particles and improved microstructure. As the proportion of TiB2-B4C is increasing in the composite, the density, hardness, and strength have been enhanced. The Al7075-TiB2-B4C composite shows a higher hardness of 93 HRB and improved wear resistance. Moreover, the enhanced yield strength of 522 MPa and compressive strength of 379 MPa have been obtained. A dry sliding wear test was conducted at room temperature by pin-on-disc apparatus under 5 N and 10 N loads, with 400 m, 800 m, and 1200 m sliding distances. The wear resistance of TiB2-B4C composites is highly improved and worn surface damage is reduced. The hardness, tensile strength, and compressive strength of the Al7075-TiB2-B4C composite were enhanced by 17.5%, 15.2%, and 10.8% while compared to raw Al. Worn surface analysis, mechanism of wear, and microstructural changes were described by SEM analysis. On the outset, the incredible properties of Al7075-TiB2-B4C hybrid composites are the best replacement for upper wing applications. 

KEYWORDS:

• Al7075-TiB₂-B₄C hybrid composite
• microstructure
• density
• hardness
• wear and friction

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).