Microstructural Refinement, Dislocation Strengthening, and Triboprotective Mechanisms in FeNb‐Reinforced A713 Aluminum Alloy for Enhanced Strength and Fretting Wear Resistance in Structural Applications
Kanjarla Vijay, Rosang Pongen, S. Prashanth, N. V. S. M. Reddy, Abhishek Kumar
Abstract
This study examines the microstructure evolution, mechanical enhancements, and fretting wear characteristics of A713 aluminum alloy integrated with 0, 2, 4, and 6 wt% FeNb through electromagnetic stir casting. The addition of FeNb facilitates structural refinement, impedes dislocation activity, and promotes the generation of robust Fe 2 Nb intermetallics, thereby improving tensile properties, yield performance, and surface hardness. Maximum mechanical and wear characteristics are achieved at 6 wt% FeNb exhibits superior tensile resistance, surface hardness, and tribological endurance. Fretting assessments under loads ranging from 20 to 50 N show a notable decrease in wear rate as FeNb content increases, from 2.945 mm 3 Nm −1 (unreinforced) to 1.803 mm 3 Nm −1 at 50 N and from 1.806 to 1.002 mm 3 Nm −1 at 20 N. The observed improvement in wear resistance is linked to increased surface durability, reduced deformation, and the emergence of protective oxide layers (Al 2 O 3 , Fe 2 O 3 , Nb 2 O 5 ). Scanning electron microscopy analysis depicts a shift from ductile tearing to brittle rupture with higher FeNb, while prevailing wear modes changed from microgrooving to particle‐induced fracturing. These results confirm that 6 wt% FeNb is the optimum reinforcement level for maximizing mechanical robustness and wear durability in A713 alloy, making it suitable for advanced structural applications.