Experimental and ANOVA analysis on tribological behavior of Al/B4C micro and nanocomposite

Abstract

An investigation was undertaken to analyse the effect of addition of micro- and nano-boron carbide particles for the synthesis of Al/B4C nanocomposite (and micro/ nearing nano) using gravitational friction stir processing and to analyse the influence of normal load sliding wear and frictional behaviour of the composite. The normal load was varied from 20 to 40 N and the sliding distance was varied from 1 to 3 km. The sliding wear behaviour was evaluated using a pin-on-disc experimental set-up. Scanning electron microscopy was used to investigate the microstructure of the fabricated Al/B4C nanocomposites. The result showed that Al/B4C nanocomposite exhibited less coefficient of friction and more wear rate when compared to Al/B4C microcomposite. The predominant wear mechanisms observed were abrasive and adhesive during the test.