Effect of Boron Carbide and Graphite Particle on Coefficient of Friction in Hybrid Aluminum Metal Matrix Composite

Lightweight materials, such as metal matrix composites (MMC), are becoming more important as their applications expand throughout the aerospace, automotive, and industrial sectors. In this study, an ultrasonic aided stir casting technique was used to create Aluminum 8011 (Al8011) that had been reinforced with varying amounts of boron carbide (3%, 5%, 7%, and 9%) and 2% graphite. Mechanical and tribological characteristics of Al8011 hybrid MMCs were investigated as a function of carbide and graphite concentration. The mechanics of tool wear were analyzed and measured after being identified. Experiments on wear were carried out by applying varied loads while using a pin-on-disc wear tester. The number of experimental situations was reduced by using the response surface methodology, and mathematical models were developed to show the relationship between the important process factors, which were the weight % of B4C and graphite, as well as the load and sliding distance. The constructed model was put through its paces using the method of analysis of variance to see whether it was valid. The mathematical model that was constructed for the rate of wear was able to make predictions with a degree of confidence of 99.5%, and several helpful conclusions were made.