Wear Characteristics of Hybrid Aluminium 8011 Matrix Composites Reinforced with Silicon Carbide Particles and Titanium Diboride

This study investigates the wear and hardness properties of AA8011 hybrid metal matrix composites (MMCs) reinforced with silicon carbide (SiCp) and titanium diboride (TiB₂), addressing a significant gap in the existing literature regarding the optimization of reinforcement levels in AA8011. The goal is to enhance the material’s wear resistance and hardness for high-performance applications. While AA8011 is known for its excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance, limited research has focused on optimizing both wear behavior and surface hardness through the combination of TiB₂ and SiCp reinforcements. Using the pin-on-disk method, this study explores various compositions, showing that the composite containing 2% TiB₂ and 1% SiCp exhibited the best wear resistance, with a 25% improvement over the base alloy, and an increase in hardness by more than 115%. Developing AA8011-based composites with enhanced durability and hardness for use in demanding environments such as automotive and aerospace applications.