Mechanical properties and tribological behavior of aluminum matrix composites reinforced with in-situ AlB2 particles

Aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) reinforced with in-situ AlB2 particles have been fabricated using a combination of powder metallurgy, hot rolling and solution treatment. The effects of boron content (7 and 12 wt%), hot rolling and heat treatment parameters on the microstructures and mechanical properties of the composites were investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), tensile test and micro-hardness measurements. The friction coefficient, wear behavior and scratch morphology of the AMCs and pure aluminum were also studied using scratch tests. The hardness and wear properties are higher in a case of composites when compared to unreinforced matrix material.