Wear behaviour of aluminium-based hybrid composites processed by equal channel angular pressing

Abstract

In the present investigation, a systematic experimental wear study at room temperature on Al2618 and reinforced Al2618 in the solutionized state, and after each pass of equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) was taken up to obtain a fundamental understanding of the wear behaviour and generate reference data on wear properties. The authors prepared a hybrid composite using Al2618 with boron carbide (5 wt.%) and graphite (5 wt.%) by the stir casting process. Solution treated cylindrical specimens of Al2618 and reinforced Al2618 were subjected to four passes of ECAP through a 120° die at room temperature using the processing route (B_C). From the results point of view, microhardness measurements were carried out at room temperature on the specimens from the solutionized work piece before and after each pass of ECAP. Scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction techniques were used to conduct the microstructural studies. After three passes through both routes, the microstructure showed elongated grains with many dislocations; and after four passes, the microstructure depicted nearly equiaxed grains. Sub micrometre sized grains were produced after three passes of ECAP. Moreover, there was a monotonic increase in the hardness values with an increase in the number of passes. Finally, we reported that there was an improvement in the wear resistance of Al2618 and reinforced Al2618 subjected to ECAP process. This scrutiny may accelerate the applications of aluminium alloys in the industrial sector.