Synergistic Reinforcing Influence of SiC, Al2O3, and CdS on Advanced Tribomechanical Properties of Aluminum Composites

Abstract

This study utilized the stir casting method to examine the mechanical and tribological properties of Al6063 alloy nano-composites reinforced with varying volume fractions of Al₂O₃/SiC (2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5%, and 10%) and CdS (0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0%). The investigation into the influence of filler content on mechanical properties revealed that the Al6063 alloy composites exhibited an increasing trend in tensile strength (241 MPa), hardness (72 BHN), and compression strength (325 MPa) compared to pure Al6063 alloy. However, as the filler content increased, the impact strength decreased to 26 KJ/m². Microstructural analysis, performed using advanced techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), provided a detailed examination of the worn surfaces. Tribological properties were assessed using the pin-on-disc method, measuring the coefficient of friction (COF) and specific wear rate (SWR) under varying conditions: loads of 5 N, 7.5 N, and 10 N; sliding distances of 1000 m, 2000 m, and 3000 m; rotational speed of 400 rpm; and sliding velocity of 0.5 m/s. At the highest load of 10 N and a sliding distance of 3000 m, the results showed a decreasing trend in SWR and COF, with values of 0.20×10−4mm3/N-m and 0.12, respectively.