THE INFLUENCE OF COPPER AND ZINC ADDITIONS ON HARDNESS, ELASTIC MODULUS AND WEAR BEHAVIOR OF Al-B4C COMPOSITE

Abstract

Aluminum metal matrix composites (AMMCs) have appeared as a viable alternative to cast iron brake discs because of the automobile industry’s need to reduce weight. In addition to appropriate mechanical resistance and thermal qualities, the material’s wear performance is crucial. An Aluminium-Boron alloy strengthened with B₄C was tested for wear behavior in this work. Nanoindentation was used to assess the hardness and elastic modulus of the intermetallic stages in the matrix alloy. When 20% carbides were added to the alloy matrix, the elastic modulus increased by 35–40%. All materials had a wear rate of 2–8*10−5 mm3/Nm. During wear, the coefficient of friction dropped and the tribo-layer played an important role.