Effect of Different Volume Fractions on Tribological and Mechanical Behavior of Al/SiCn/Grµ Hybrid Composites

Abstract

Hybrid composites, specifically Al/SiC/Gr, are a promising area of research in material science. This work deals with the Al/SiC_n/Gr_µ hybrid composite, which includes the additional nano silicon carbide particles (SiC_n) at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10% volume fraction (VF) and 1 and 5 % VF of micro-graphite particles. The process involves blending metal powders, cold pressing, and sintering at 620°C for 2 hours to create a specific green part. The results show that the increased volume fractions of SiC and Gr result in higher porosity, lower density and reduced wear rate compared to pure Al matrix. The microhardness values of 168, 191 HV were evinced by reinforcing with Al+6%SiC+1%Gr and Al+6%SiC+5%Gr, respectively. The highest compressive strength values of 153.38 MPa and 95.77 MPa were found in Al+6%SiC+1%Gr and Al+6%SiC+5%Gr, respectively.