Tribological behaviors and mechanical properties of novel Al-5Cu hybrid composites under dry sliding conditions

This study aims to develop aluminum composites, which are widely used in the automotive and aerospace industries. For this purpose, novel Al-5Cu/Al2O3-SiC hybrid composites were produced, and their mechanical and tribological performances were investigated. Hardness, density, and three-point bending analyses of hybrid composites were performed. In addition, wear and friction analyses were carried out under dry sliding conditions and applying different loads (5-10-15 N). In addition, the morphological properties of the produced hybrid composites were determined by microstructural analysis (SEM/EDS). High density, hardness, and strength values were obtained in hybrid composites produced using powder metallurgy and hot pressing methods. As a result of the wear test, it was determined that the hybrid reinforcements showed positive effects on the wear resistance. The lowest specific wear rate (SWR) value was 2.09 × 10−6 mm3/N.m. It was determined that the SWR values of the hybrid composites decreased with the increase of the applied load. In addition, plastic deformation and adhesion wear were observed as a result of SEM/EDS analyses taken from the worn surfaces.