Tribological properties of aluminium metal matrix composites at various temperatures – a review

The superior qualities of aluminum metal matrix composites, such as a high strength-to-weight ratio and good mechanical and tribological characteristics, make them widely employed in the biomedical, aerospace, automotive, and marine industry sectors. The amount and size of reinforcement supplied to the base material determine the fundamental attributes of ALMMC. ALMMC (Aluminum Metal Matrix Composites) can be fabricated through various methods, including: Stir Casting (SC), Ultrasonic Treatment Casting (UST), Disintegrated Melt Deposition (DMD), Friction Stir Processing (FSP), and in situ reactions of K2TiF6 and KBF4. The characterization techniques for aluminum metal matrix composites, such as X-ray diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), are also discussed. In this review article, the impact of reinforcement materials on the mechanical and wear behavior of various aluminum alloys, such as Al7075, Al2219 and Al2024 is explored. These alloys are reinforced with Silicon Carbide (SiC), Titanium Diboride (TiB2), Aluminium Oxide (Al2O3), Boron Carbide (B4C), and Graphite. The effects of testing variables on wear rate and friction coefficients, such as sliding speed, load, and testing temperature, are also examined. The ALMMC reinforced with TiB2, B4C, SiC particles exhibits improved tribological properties up to a temperature range of 150-2100C. However, if the operating temperature rises beyond 2100C, the ALMMC becomes more ductile and experiences more wear losses.