Effect of T6 Tempering on the Wear and Corrosive Properties of Graphene and B<sub>4</sub>C Reinforced Al6061 Matrix Composites
This research study aims to evaluate the wear and corrosive behaviour of aluminum 6061 alloy hybrid metal matrix composites after reinforcing them with graphene (0.5, 1 wt.%) and boron carbide (6 wt.%) at varying weight percentages. The hybrid composites were processed through ball milling and powde...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Journal of Manufacturing and Materials Processing |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2504-4494/9/3/82 |
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| Summary: | This research study aims to evaluate the wear and corrosive behaviour of aluminum 6061 alloy hybrid metal matrix composites after reinforcing them with graphene (0.5, 1 wt.%) and boron carbide (6 wt.%) at varying weight percentages. The hybrid composites were processed through ball milling and powder compaction, followed by a microwave sintering process, and T6 temper heat treatment was carried out to improve the properties. The properties were evaluated and analyzed using FE-SEM, Pin-on-Disc tribometer, surface roughness, salt spray test, and electrochemical tests. The results were evaluated prior to and subsequent to the T6 heat-treatment conditions. The T6 tempered sample S1 (Al6061-0.5% Gr-6% B<sub>4</sub>C) exhibits a wear rate of 0.00107 mm<sup>3</sup>/Nm at 10 N and 0.00127 mm<sup>3</sup>/Nm at 20 N for 0.5 m/s sliding velocity. When the sliding velocity is 1 m/s, the wear rate is 0.00137 mm<sup>3</sup>/Nm at 10 N and 0.00187 mm<sup>3</sup>/Nm at 20 N load conditions. From the Tafel polarization results, the as-fabricated (F) condition demonstrates an Ecorr of −0.789 and an Icorr of 3.592 µA/cm<sup>2</sup> and a corrosion rate of 0.039 mm/year. Transitioning to the T6 condition further decreases Icorr to 2.514 µA/cm<sup>2</sup>, Ecorr value of −0.814, and the corrosion rate to 0.027 mm/year. The results show that an increase in the addition of graphene wt.% from 0.5 to 1 to the Al 6061 alloy matrix deteriorated the wear and corrosive properties of the hybrid matrix composites. |
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| ISSN: | 2504-4494 |