Abrasive Wear Behavior of AZ31−B4C Composites

Abrasive wear behavior of AZ31 −B4C composites having varying amount of B4C particles (0 −2 wt%) is investigated. AZ31 −B4C composites are synthesized through ultrasonic assisted stir casting method. Characterizations of as-cast composites are performed through optical microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Compositional analyses are performed using energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDS). Microstructural analyses disclose uniform distribution of B4C ceramic particles in AZ31 matrix. Compositional analyses confirm incorporation of B4C particles in AZ31 matrix. Both microhardness testing and density measurements are performed. Microhardness value is enhanced by 54.9% compared to base alloy by incorporating 2 wt% of B4C particles. Pin-on-disk tribotester is employed to scrutinize abrasive wear and friction characteristics of developed materials at varying sliding distance (40, 50 and 60 mm track dia.) and different abrasive grits (400, 500 and 600 grit). Wear rate of AZ31 alloy is about 1.3 − 1.5 times more than AZ31 − 2.0B4C composite for all experimental conditions. Wear rate reduces with increase in abrasive grit size while the same increases with increase in sliding distance. Finally, worn surface morphology of developed materials is also analyzed through FESEM and EDAX spectra. Examination of worn surface morphology discloses that abrasion and oxidation are dominant for composite samples.