By: Ranjeet Kumar Arya
Abstract: The improvement of the mechanical and tribological characteristics of composites is always a crucial area of research for materials scientists. Nowadays, particulate aluminum matrix hybrid composites, known as particle-reinforced hybrid aluminum matrix composites (PHAMCs), are becoming more popular due to their desirable properties, cost-effectiveness, ease of processing, and compatibility with
traditional processing techniques. In this current study, a two-step stir casting method was utilized to
create aluminum hybrid composites using Al6061 alloy and submicron-sized particles (0.5-1 μm) of
Rice Husk Ash (RHA)-Silicon Nitride (Si3N4) reinforcements. A total of six compositions, including one
base alloy, two single reinforced composites with 2wt% reinforcement, and three hybrid composites
with different weight percentages (RHA- Si3N4, 1:1, 0.5:1.5, and 1.5:0.5), were prepared for
investigation. The physical, mechanical, and wear properties of the fabricated composites were
measured according to ASTM Standards and compared with each other. The specific wear rate was
determined under various loads (5 N, 10 N, and 15 N), different grit sizes of abrasive wear papers (180
and 320 grit SiC), and different sliding distances (125 m and 250 m) at a constant sliding velocity of
1.25 m/s. It was observed that Al6061/1wt%RHA/1wt% Si3N4 and Al6061/0.5wt%RHA/1.5wt% Si3N4
exhibited superior wear properties and lower coefficients of friction, which can be attributed to the
cushioning effect of RHA and the hardness of Si3N4 particles. The highest achieved tensile strength was
25% greater than that of the base alloy. Furthermore, the highest hardness was approximately 30%
greater than that of the base alloy, while the minimum density was reduced by 1.1%.
Citation:
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