Wear Behavior of TiB2/GNPs and B4C/GNPs Reinforced AA6061 Matrix Composites

Abstract

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effects of reinforcements used for improving the thermal properties of AA6061 alloy on wear resistance. For this purpose, AA6061 matrix composites were produced by pressure infiltration method using ceramic microparticles (TiB2 and B4C) and graphene nanoparticles (GNPs). The produced composites were first characterized by porosity measurement, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Then, the wear behavior was examined under three different loads (20–40–60 N) with the reciprocating ball on the flat method in a dry environment. Specific wear-rates were calculated according to the Archard principle by measuring the depth and width of the traces after tests with a profilometer. Wearing mechanisms were determined with the help of optical and microstructure images. According to the obtained results, it was found that B4C + GNPs reinforced samples were more resistant to abrasion at low loads, but TiB2 + GNPs reinforced samples were higher at higher loads.