INVESTIGATION OF THERMAL, MECHANICAL AND WEAR BEHAVIOUR OF AM60/B4C/GNPs HYBRID COMPOSITES VIA POWDER METALLURGY

Abstract

This work investigates AM60 magnesium alloy composites reinforced with B₄C and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) fabricated by powder metallurgy followed by hot extrusion. Microstructural characterization (XRD, SEM, TEM/EDS) and property evaluation (hardness, tensile, thermal conductivity by laser flash, and pin-on-disc wear) were conducted. Compared to unreinforced AM60 (52.0 ± 2.3 HV), the hybrid composite AM60–2B₄C–0.5GNPs reached 69.1 ± 1.7 HV (+32.8%). Yield and ultimate tensile strengths increased progressively with reinforcement; the hybrid composition showed the highest values, while elongation decreased. Thermal conductivity decreased with reinforcement content (e.g., 107.1 ± 1.9 → 75.3 ± 1.7 W•m⁻¹•K⁻¹ at 25 °C). Wear rate decreased at all loads, with the hybrid composite exhibiting the lowest wear due to higher hardness and the solid-lubricant effect of GNPs. No intermetallics were detected at reinforcement–matrix interfaces. The study provides an integrated, quantitative assessment of hybrid B₄C+GNP effects on AM60, evidencing a synergistic strengthening-wear improvement despite a trade-off in thermal conductivity.

Keywords

• AM60
• B₄C
• Graphene Nanoplatelets
• Powder Metallurgy
• Tensile
• Wear
• Thermal conductivity

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