Influence of cerium oxide nanoparticles on the tribological behavior of AA8090 aluminum alloy composites for aero, military, and marine industrial applications

This study aimed to enhance the wear resistance of the AA8090 material. Nanoparticle-reinforced AA8090 metal matrix composites were manufactured using the conventional stir casting process. Totally, three types of composites were fabricated by varying the cerium oxide (CeO₂) nanoparticle content. The different materials prepared were AA8090, AA8090/1.5 wt% CeO₂, AA8090/3 wt% CeO₂, and AA8090/4.5 wt% CeO₂. Properties like microhardness, tensile strength, wear rate, and coefficient of friction of the developed composites were determined. The results showed that the inclusion of CeO₂ nanoparticles improved the different properties of the AA8090 material. An optimum level of 3 wt% CeO₂ in AA8090 showed better performance. Furthermore, the AA8090/3 wt% CeO₂ composite exhibited a maximum hardness and tensile strength of 158 HV and 546 MPa, respectively, which was 18 and 20% higher than those of AA8090. Furthermore, the same composite displayed a slightest wear rate (0.045 × 10⁻³ mm³/m) and coefficient of friction (0.2). Hence, it is concluded from this research that the AA8090/3 wt% CeO₂ could be a suitable material for aero, military, and marine applications as it showed a good performance.