Influence of Graphite Particles on the Mechanical and Wear Characterization of Al6082 Alloy Composites

In the current study, a two-stage stir cast process was used to produce Al6082 reinforced with sized graphite particulates, and the material's mechanical and tribological properties were analyzed. The graphite content in the Al6082 alloy was increased from 2 to 6% in steps of 2 wt %. The impact of graphite addition to Al6082 was evaluated using microstructural micrographs, hardness test, tensile test, and wear test outcomes. The matrix alloy's microstructure and particle distribution were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy. The microstructure of Al6082 shows that the reinforcement particles are evenly distributed throughout the matrix. Although the hardness of metal-matrix composites was slightly reduced when graphite was added at concentrations of up to 6 wt %, the material's tensile strength and wear resistance were significantly improved. Micrographs taken by a microscope were used to examine the fractured surfaces of tensile test specimens. Wear experiments were performed using a conventional pin-on-disc tribometer to examine the tribological properties of both unreinforced matrix and graphite composites. With the addition of 2, 4, and 6 wt % of graphite particles, the composites' wear resistance was significantly improved. Wear of alloys and their composites was analyzed to determine how load and sliding speed impacted wear loss.