Comparative Study of Physical, Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Al2024 Alloy and SiC-TiB2Composites

This paper encapsulates the comparative study of physical, mechanical as well as tribological properties of Al2024 alloy and its composites Al2024-SiC and Al2024-TiB(2)prepared by stir casting technique. Microstructural characterization were conducted using SEM (scanning electron microscope) with EDS (energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy). Experimental investigation of density, porosity, microhardness, ultimate tensile strength and wear behaviour of Al2024 alloy and its composites were carried out. Microstructural characterization confirms uniform distribution of SiC and TiB(2)particulates and excellent matrix-reinforcement interfacial bonding. Enhanced mechanical and tribological properties were observed for both the prepared composites compared to Al2024 alloy; this increment was higher for Al2024-TiB(2)composite than Al2024-SiC composite. Al2024-TiB(2)composite exhibits superior wear resistance with non-existence of plastic deformation and adhesion on the wear tracks. The size and shape of the debris also play an important role in determining the wear rates of Al2024 alloy and its composites.