Production of AA2024 based nanoparticle reinforced hybrid composite bearing materials and investigation of tribological properties

The purpose of this study is to produce nanoparticle-reinforced composite bearing materials with an AA2024 matrix using powder metallurgy and mechanical milling methods and to investigate the effects of particle type and content on the properties of these composite bearing materials. After optimizing the milling duration to 8 h, Al/B4C, Al/Graphite, Al/Graphene, and Al/CNT nanocomposites, along with Al/B4C/Graphite, Al/B4C/Graphene, and Al/B4C/CNT hybrids, were produced with varying reinforcement ratios (0-2 wt%). The effects of reinforcement type and ratio on the physical and mechanical properties of the produced samples were examined through powder characterization, microstructure and phase analysis, relative density measurements, hardness, tensile, wear, and corrosion tests. According to the results, among the nanocomposites, B2 achieved the highest hardness and tensile strength, with values of 181 HB and 328 MPa, respectively. For the hybrid nanocomposites, the HG2 sample achieved the highest values, with hardness and tensile strength of 164 HB and 314 MPa, respectively. Furthermore, the lowest wear rate was observed in the Al/B4C/Graphite hybrid nanocomposites under low load, and in the Al/B4C/Graphene hybrid nanocomposites under high load.