Investigation of wear properties of Al5083/Al2O3 and Al5083/Al2O3+h-BN composites produced by friction stir process

In this study, a new composite surface layer was obtained by reinforcing Al2O3 and h-BN particles on the surface of Al5083 aluminum alloy by friction stir process (FSP). Al 5083 alloy with SKP applied and Al5083/Al2O3, Al5083/99%Al2O3+1%h-BN, Al5083/97%Al2O3+3%h-BN, Al5083/95%Al2O3+5%h-BN and Al5083/92%Al2O3+8%h-BN composite layers using powders at reinforcement ratios of 100%Al2O3, 99%Al2O3+1%h-BN, 97%Al2O3+3%h-RH, 95%Al2O3+5%h-BN and 92%Al2O3+8%h-BN were produced with SKP by applying two passes of the process in the same direction. To produce composite layers with SKP, 1250 rpm tool rotation speed, 55 mm/min feed rate and 3° tool angle were applied under 600 kg load. The microstructure, hardness and wear behavior of the composite layers formed on the surface of the reinforced Al5083 aluminum alloy made without reinforcement and at various rates were investigated. Wear tests were carried out using Al2O3 balls for 900 seconds under 5N load in a ball-on disc wear test setup. At the conclusion of the wear tests, the samples were examined with scanning electron microscope and 3D optical profilometer. Composite layers were successfully produced on the surface of Al5083 alloy with SKP. The produced composite layers reduced the grain size of the SKP applied Al5083 alloy and increased the hardness value. As a result of the wear tests, the best wear resistance was obtained in Al5083/92%Al2O3+8%h-BN composite layer.