Tribological behaviors and mechanical properties of novel Al-5Cu hybrid composites under dry sliding conditions
Serhat Şap, Ünal Değirmenci, Üsame Ali Usca, Mahir Uzun
Abstract
This study aims to develop aluminum composites, which are widely used in the automotive and aerospace industries. For this purpose, novel Al-5Cu/Al 2 O 3 -SiC hybrid composites were produced, and their mechanical and tribological performances were investigated. Hardness, density, and three-point bending analyses of hybrid composites were performed. In addition, wear and friction analyses were carried out under dry sliding conditions and applying different loads (5-10-15 N). In addition, the morphological properties of the produced hybrid composites were determined by microstructural analysis (SEM/EDS). High density, hardness, and strength values were obtained in hybrid composites produced using powder metallurgy and hot pressing methods. As a result of the wear test, it was determined that the hybrid reinforcements showed positive effects on the wear resistance. The lowest specific wear rate (SWR) value was 2.09 × 10 −6 mm 3 /N.m. It was determined that the SWR values of the hybrid composites decreased with the increase of the applied load. In addition, plastic deformation and adhesion wear were observed as a result of SEM/EDS analyses taken from the worn surfaces.