Microwave-Sintered Al-SiC-MoS2 Hybrid Composites: Microstructural and Tribological Performance with Prospective Biomedical Applications
摘要
Aluminum hybrid composites are an emerging class of metal matrix composites having the potential to meet today’s requirements for advanced technical applications. These requirements are met by enhanced mechanical characteristics, compatibility with standard processing techniques, and the possibility of minimizing production costs for aluminum hybrid composites. In the present study, aluminum-based silicon carbide (SiC) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) particles’ hybrid metal matrix composites were fabricated using powder metallurgy technique, followed by microwave sintering at 550 °C for 10 min (power 900 W and frequency 2.45 GHz) and then extrusion (extrusion ratio 12.25) and temperature of 300°C. Tribological characteristics of these composites with varying MoS2 percentages (1%, 3%, and 5% by weight) were examined. The hardness and wear resistance of composites were enhanced by the hybridization of the SiC and MoS2 reinforcements. Hardness was reduced, and wear resistance was subsequently improved as the amount of MoS2 increased. SEM examinations reveal a stronger interfacial bond between matrix and reinforcements, in addition to a more uniform distribution of the reinforcements on the matrix structure.