Influence of carbide ceramic reinforcements in improving tribological properties of A333 graded hybrid composites

Aluminium hybrid functionally graded metal matrix composites (FGMMCs), meet growing demands for supreme tribo-mechanical performance in automotive and aviation industry. This research experimentally compares the influence of carbide ceramics (B4C, SiC, TiC) as reinforcements, in improving reciprocating tribology performance and mechanical strength of A333 hybrid composites against alloy. Hollow cylindrical samples of A333/6 wt%B4C/4 wt%TiC and A333/6 wt%B4C/4 wt%SiC hybrid FGMMCs were developed using horizontal centrifugal casting. Metallography analysis on both composites revealed increasing ceramic gradient distribution towards outer composite wall. Particle rich zone of A333/B4C/SiC hybrid FGMMC showed maximum micro-hardness (198.9 HV) and tensile strength (267.9 MPa). Elemental mapping confirmed effective distribution of ceramics and detected elemental composition of both composites. Particle rich layer of A333/B4C/SiC hybrid FGMMC exhibited improved wear resistance in comparison with all three layers of A333/B4C/TiC hybrid FGMMC and alloy. Third-body abrasion and tribo-chemical wear were the predominant mechanisms revealed for both composites during worn surface analysis.