Mechanical and Tribological characteristics of AA6082/ZrB2 composites

Abstract In the current research work, an Al-Si-Mg aluminum alloy-based composite (AMCs) was prepared via stir casting. The AA6082 matrix was incorporated with 0, 3, 6 and 9 wt.-% zirconium diboride (ZrB2) particles for manufacturing composites. The manufactured AA6082/ZrB2 composites were evaluated by employing scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Flexural strength, macro-hardness and wear rate of the composites were examined. XRD confirms the development of ZrB2 peaks and also proves that no reaction products are found in the AMCs. The SEM examination depicts the homogeneous dissemination of ZrB2 in the Al alloy. The tribological and mechanical characterization of the AMCs improved after the inclusion of ZrB2 contents. The experimental outcomes attained indicate that the tribological and mechanical behavior of the AMCs was enriched by an escalation in mass proportionate to the ZrB2 filler content.