ABSTRACT
Metal matrix composites (MMCs) are the emerging potential materials that have advantages over the existing materials and are suitable for many applications, viz. structural, electrical, aerospace, car, thermal and wear applications. They are far superior in terms of specific modulus, specific strength, wear resistance, chemical inertness, high-temperature stability, controlled coefficient of thermal expansion, etc. Aluminium is the most widely used metal for the matrix because of its light weight and high strength. In this chapter, boron carbide (B4C) and aluminium oxide (Al2O3) have been used as reinforcement. Boron carbide possesses high hardness value, good chemical stability, low specific gravity and high elastic modulus, making it a better reinforcing agent in a matrix material. It also has high cross-section absorption of neutrons. It possesses stability to ionizing radiation and most chemicals. Aluminium oxide is a chemical compound of Al2O3 aluminium and oxygen. It is ordinarily referred to as alumina. It has strong, ionic interatomic bonds that create highly desired material characteristics.
The influence of boron carbide as well as aluminium reinforcement on aluminium MMC was analyzed in this research. Aluminium hybrid composite with 2% B4C + 1% Al2O3 and 2% B4C + 2% Al2O3 has been fabricated with stir casting method. A critical analysis of wear and mechanical properties was conducted between the aluminium 7068 alloy and the hybrid composite. Mechanical properties, viz. its tensile strength and hardness of the materials, have been assessed. The wear experiment was designed by using the Taguchi orthogonal array method. The wear test result was then optimized by using the DEMATEL method. Study of the microstructure of the composite material Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) micrograph has been provided.
