Structural Morphology, Elemental Composition, Mechanical and Tribological Properties of the Effect of Carbon Nanotubes and Silicon Nanoparticles on AA 2024 Hybrid Metal Matrix Composites

This research involves the study of the different properties of aluminum alloy AA 2024 in the presence of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and Silicon (Si) nanoparticles. Structural morphology, elemental composition, mechanical properties (density, tensile strength, elongation, and hardness), and tribological properties (wear rate and coefficient of friction) of AA 2024 in the presence of CNTs, Si, and its combinations at various proportions were evaluated using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analyzer (EDX), Universal Testing Machine (UTM), Model HMV-2T Vickers hardness test machine, and pin-on-disk friction-and-wear test rig. The Hybrid Metal Matrix Composite (HMMC) material is prepared by a two-stage stir casting method. It was found that the density of the AA 2024 + 4%CNT + 2%Si is 2.22 g/cm³, ultimate tensile strength is 308 N/mm², elongation is 15.5%, and Vickers hardness is 187.5 Vickers Hardness Number (VHN). The pin on the disk machine is used to evaluate the wear resistance and friction coefficient of the sample. Under higher loads, it was found that the wear rate and friction coefficient of the composite material decreased. AA 2024 + 4%CNT + 2%Si showed higher results than other composite materials.