Study of Parametric Influence on Dry Sliding Wear and Corrosion Behavior of AA5754-TiB ₂ In Situ Composites

Tribological properties determine the elemental factors influencing the performance of the components that are subjected to relative motion. Of late, low-density Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) have been renowned as materials for the components that are subjected to tribological applications. This work reports an experimental study of wear and corrosion behavior of Aluminum Metal Matrix Composites (AMMCs) reinforced with in situ TiB₂ particles. These composites were synthesized by a mixed salt route procedure using K₂TiF₆ and KBF₄ at a temperature of 850°C by using the stir casting method. Dry sliding wear behavior of AA5754-TiB₂ in situ composites were compared with base material for the various loads, sliding speed, and sliding distances. These parameters were analyzed using Taguchi techniques. It was found that the percentage of reinforcement and load are the most significant parameters. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis was conducted on wear scars to find the wear mechanism. The corrosion behavior of in situ composites has been studied and compared with the base material. Potentiodynamic polarization tests were carried out to determine the corrosion resistance.