Effect of Boron Carbide Addition on Wear Resistance of Aluminum Matrix Composites Fabricated by Stir Casting and Hot Rolling Processes

In this study, to evaluate the effect of boron carbide (B4C) addition on the wear performance of aluminum (Al), Al6061 and 5, 10, and 20 vol.% B4C/Al6061 composites were manufactured using the stir casting and hot rolling processes. B4C particles were randomly dispersed during the stir casting process; then, B4C particles were arranged in the rolling direction using a hot rolling process to further improve the B4C dispersion and wear resistance of the composites. Furthermore, a continuous interfacial layer between B4C and the Al6061 matrix was generated by diffusion of titanium (Ti) and chromium (Cr) atoms contained in the Al6061 alloy. Wear depth and width of the composites decreased with increasing B4C content. Furthermore, with B4C addition, coefficient of friction (COF) improved as compared with that of Al6061. The results indicate that interface-controlled, well-aligned B4C particles in the friction direction can effectively increase the wear properties of Al alloys and improve their hardness.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the effect of boron carbide (B4C) addition on the wear performance of aluminum (Al) by manufacturing Al6061 and different B4C content composites using stir casting and hot rolling processes. It was found that the wear properties improved with increasing B4C content, with reduced wear depth and width, and improved coefficient of friction (COF). Well-aligned B4C particles in the friction direction effectively increased the wear properties and hardness of Al alloys.