Influence of B4C on the tribological and mechanical properties of Al 7075–B4C composites

Abstract In the present investigation, the influence of B 4 C on the mechanical and Tribological behavior of Al 7075 composites is identified. Al 7075 particle reinforced composites were produced through casting, K 2 TiF 6 added as the flux, to overcome the wetting problem between B 4 C and liquid aluminium metal. The aluminium B 4 C composites thus produced were subsequently subjected to T6 heat treatment. The samples of Al 7075 composites were tested for hardness, tensile, compression, flexural strengths and wear behavior. The test results showed increasing hardness of composites compared with the base alloy because of the presence of the increased ceramic phase. The wear resistance of the composites increased with increasing content of B 4 C particles, and the wear rate was significantly less for the composite material compared to the matrix alloy. A mechanically mixed layer containing oxygen and iron was observed on the surface, and this acted as an effective insulation layer preventing metal to metal contact. The coefficient of friction decreased with increased B 4 C content and reached its minimum at 10 vol% B 4 C.

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