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Tribological properties of aluminum alloy matrix TiB{sub 2} composite prepared by in situ processing

Journal Article · · Metallurgical and Materials Transactions. A, Physical Metallurgy and Materials Science
; ; ;  [1]
  1. Northwestern Univ., Evanston, IL (United States)

Due to the low weight, high strength and stiffness, and enhanced wear resistance of particulate-reinforced aluminum-based metal matrix composites (MMCs), the automotive industry has identified a number of applications for these materials. An investigation of the wear behavior, in lubricated sliding and rolling of in situ prepared TiB{sub 2} particle-reinforced 2024 T4 Al alloy matrix composites against 52100 steel and hardened pearlitic modular cast iron, respectively, was undertaken. In sliding contact, the 10 vol pct 0.3-{micro}m TiB{sub 2}-metal matrix composite (MMC) showed slightly less wear than the 10 vol pct 1.3 {micro}m TiB{sub 2}-MMC. Transmission electron microscopy of cross sections, taken normal to the wear track and parallel to the sliding direction, revealed that the TiB{sub 2} particles on the wear track were polished and particle pullout was largely absent. This was attributed to the strong interfacial bonding between the Al-alloy matrix and the TiB{sub 2} reinforcing phase. In rolling contact, the 0.3-{micro}m-size TiB{sub 2}-MMC showed 5 times higher weight loss than the 1.3-{micro}m TiB{sub 2}-MMC for the same content of reinforcement, but the weight loss of the cast iron mating surface was less for the former. For the smaller particle size, the wear of 5 and 10 vol pct TiB{sub 2}-MMCs was the same. A high density of surface cracks was present on the wear track of the 0.3-{micro}m TiB{sub 2}-MMC but not on the 1.3-{micro}m MMC. The significance of strong particle/matrix interfacial bonding and particle size effect on the wear behavior of ceramic particulate-reinforced MMCs in lubricated sliding and rolling wear is discussed.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
474129
Journal Information:
Metallurgical and Materials Transactions. A, Physical Metallurgy and Materials Science, Journal Name: Metallurgical and Materials Transactions. A, Physical Metallurgy and Materials Science Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 28; ISSN MMTAEB; ISSN 1073-5623
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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