Investigation on Microstructure and Wear Study on Al-Zn-Mg Alloy Hybrid Composites Fabricated Through Die Casting Process

The Al-Zn-Mg hybrid composite play a vibrant role in meeting the definite application in aerospace due to its greater mechanical and tribological properties. In this paper, a die casting technique is adopted to prepare the Al-Zn-Mg hybrid metal matrix composites by changing graphite (Gr.) at 1%, 3%, 5% and 7 weight percentage at constant 2% of silicon carbide (SiC). The test specimens are prepared as per ASTM standard and undergo surface study and wear study. Wear rate for Al-Zn-Mg hybrid metal matrix composite is performed on pin on disc wear equipment by varying sliding distance (250, 500, 750, 1000, 1250 and 1500 m) and applied load (5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 N) at constant sliding velocity (1.5 m/sec). Optical microstructure images reveal sufficient bonding between matrix and reinforcement material. As graphite particle increases wear rate observed to be decreased however, rising in speed and load wear rate was increased. For Al-Zn-Mg/2% SiC/7% Gr. hybrid composite exhibited 57.83% decrease in wear rate has compared to non-reinforced Al-Zn-Mg alloy. SEM images of worn-out surface shows scratching, ploughing, delaminated layer and plastic deformation.