Development and characterization of multiwalled carbon nanotube-reinforced microwave sintered hybrid aluminum metal matrix composites: An experimental investigation on mechanical and tribological performances

Abstract

Nowadays, scientists and engineers are coming together enthusiastically to develop superior lightweight materials for tribological applications, such as hybrid aluminum metal matrix composites for the internal combustion engine components. In the present study, hybrid aluminum metal matrix composite has been fabricated with A390 (Al–Si) as the matrix material and SiC (15 wt%) and multiwalled carbon nanotube (0.5 wt%, 1.5 wt%, and 2.5 wt%) as hybrid reinforcements, by following the microwave sintering route (2.45 GHz, 900 W). Microstructure and porosity of fabricated hybrid aluminum metal matrix composite has been characterized using micrographs of the scanning electron microscope and optical microscope. This is followed by the Vickers hardness characterization and composition analysis by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Thereafter, a comprehensive tribological investigation is carried out for A390, Al + 15% SiC, Al + 15% SiC + 0.5% MWCNT, Al + 15% SiC + 1.5% MWCNT, and Al + 15% SiC + 2.5% MWCNT. The present study reveals that the addition of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) in microwave sintered aluminum metal matrix composite has a significant effect on wear resistance and frictional response.