Investigation of Wear Properties of Boron Carbide and CNT Hybrid Reinforced Copper Metal Matrix Composites

International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume VI, Issue VI, June 2019 | ISSN 2321–2705

Isolation Investigation of Wear Properties of Boron Carbide and CNT Hybrid Reinforced Copper Metal Matrix Composites

Tukaram Jadhav¹, Dr. H K Shivanand², Kiran R^3*, Madhu M G⁴

¹Research Scholar, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University Visveswarayya College of Engineering, Bengaluru-560001, Karnataka, India.
²Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University Visveswarayya College of Engineering, Bengaluru-560001, Karnataka, India.
³P.G Scholar, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University Visveswarayya College of Engineering, Bengaluru-560001, Karnataka, India.
⁴Lecturer, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Government Polytechnic, Udupi-576104, Karnataka, India.

Abstract-The current work focuses on the influence and contribution of multi-walled carbon-nanotube (MWCNT) and boron carbide (B4C) to the wear properties of copper matrix composites. Different weight fractions of nano- B4C and MWCNT-reinforced copper composites were prepared using the stir casting methodologies. Wear test were conducted as per ASTM standards G99- 95a.The addition of reinforcements showed enhancements wear resistance of the composites due to the uniform dispersion of the secondary reinforcement in the copper matrix and the self-lubricating effect of the MWCNTs. Further the weight of the composites decreased with the strength characteristics increasing leading to the enhancement in strength to weight ratios of the composite specimens.Reinforcement percentage should be less than 10% for Boron Carbide and 2% for CNT, more than 10% reinforcement will not mix with the casting properly and there is a chance of agglomeration of particles. The effects of the nanoparticle distribution in the matrix and the dispersion of the composites were characterized using high-resolution scanning electron microscopy. The results of experiments highlight the use of experiential reinforcing limits of B₄C on the mechanical behavior and wear characteristics of copper composites.

Keywords – Copper, Boron carbide, Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs), Stir Casting, Wear rate.

I. INTRODUCTION

Metal matrix composites are exciting areas of research in which reinforcements of hard ceramic particles are added to improve wear resistance and mechanical performance.The optimum ratio usage of the reinforcement particles could assist wear performance with toughness. Matrix materials of the MMCs generally selected for their high thermal conductivity and ductility properties as copper, nickel and aluminum and the reinforcement materials should be harder than matrix for the supporting the structure of composite such as SiC, B₄C, CNT, Al₂O₃ and TiC

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