Friction and wear behaviors of B₄C/6061Al composite

The friction and wear behaviors of B₄C/6061Al composite were studied by considering the effect of sliding time, applied load, sliding velocity and heat treatment. The results show that, when the sliding time, applied load and sliding velocity reach critical values (namely 120min, 30N and 240rmin^-1, respectively), the mass loss and friction coefficient (COF) increase significantly. Severe delamination wear is the main wear mechanism after sliding for 120min and under an applied load of 30N. While fretting wear happens at a sliding velocity of 240rmin^-1. After solution-treated at 550°C for 1h and then aged at 180°C for 15h, the composite shows the highest wear resistance owing to the precipitation of β (Mg₂Si) phases in the matrix and the strong interface bonding between B₄C particles and the matrix alloy.