Tribological Behavior and Mechanical Characteristics of AL6061 Alloy with AL2O3 and Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Reinforcement Nanoparticles (Hybrid Nano Carbon Tube)

The objective of this study is to optimize and characterize an Al6061/Al2O3/MWCNT nanocomposite produced through stir casting. The investigation focused on various concentrations of 2%, 3%, and 5% by weight of Al2O3/MWCNT nanoparticles, with an average Al2O3 particle size of 40 nm. The Al6061 matrix exhibited a uniform distribution of these nanoparticles. Microstructural analysis of the nanocomposite was conducted using scanning electron microscopy. The study examined the tribological properties, including wear and coefficient of friction, as well as the tensile strength and hardness of the Al6061/Al2O3/MWCNT nanocomposites. The results indicated a significant enhancement in mechanical properties, with the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) increasing from 122 MPa to 157 MPa, and the yield tensile strength (YTS) rising from 52 MPa to 76 MPa. At a 5% concentration of Al2O3/MWCNT, the hardness test showed an increase from 28 BHN to 55 BHN. The improvement ratios for 2%, 3%, and 5% concentrations of nano Al2O3/MWCNT particles were 36.54%, 38.51%, and 41.55%, respectively. Additionally, the study demonstrated that the addition of nano reinforcement significantly reduced the wear rate. For instance, at a load of 40 N, the wear rate of the Al6061 alloy was 1.4 x 10^-3 mm³/m, whereas it was reduced to 0.62 x 10^-3 mm³/m with the inclusion of 5% Al2O3/MWCNT nanoparticles.