Employing the stir casting process, a unique hybrid composites were fabricated,
using A356 as the matrix and reinforced with ZrSiO4 and
TiB2 particulates. The produced specimens were initially in their
as-cast state. Following that, the reinforcement particle concentrations were
changed 2 and 4 weight percentages (wt%) of ZrSiO4 and keeping a
constant 6 wt% of TiB2. Three samples were exposed to dry sliding
conditions at room temperature using a tribometer. Two applied loads of
magnitude 10N and 50N and a sliding velocity of 1m/s and 2m/s were selected as
testing parameters. After measuring the wear rate (WR) and the coefficient of
friction (COF), the worn-out pin surfaces were examined using scanning electron
microscopy (SEM). The results of the study indicated that, under different
sliding parametric conditions, the hybrid composite sample with a weight
percentage of A356, specifically with 4% ZrSiO4 and 6%
TiB2, displayed a minimal WR and a higher COF compared with the
remaining samples. This superior performance can be attributed to the harder
particles within the composite, which enhance its sliding performance when
incorporated into the A356 softer alloy. SEM analysis revealed that soft-natured
test samples showed deep and shallow grooves with no discernible cracks under a
50N applied load and a 2 m/s sliding velocity. However, the test sample with the
maximum weight % addition exhibited minimal surface damage, a lack of particle
pullout, and no significant cracks. These findings imply that the innovative
hybrid composite formulation exhibits enhanced tribological characteristics,
making it a good candidate for replacing components in the aerospace and
automotive sectors.