Reciprocal sliding wear behaviour of B4C particulate reinforced aluminum alloy composites

Aluminum based composites reinforced with B4C particles were prepared by cryomilling and subsequent hot pressing steps. The cryomilled powders dispersed with 5 wt.% or 10 wt.% B4C particles were hot pressed under a pressure of 600 MPa at 350 degrees C. Microstructural studies conducted on the composites indicated that homogeneous distribution of the B4C particles in the Al matrix and a good interface between them had been achieved. According to the results of reciprocating wear tests carried out by utilizing alumina and steel balls, wear resistance increased with increasing B4C particle content. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.