Effect of B4C variation on the mechanical, fractographic and tribological performance of hybrid composites Al7075/Gr/ZrO2.

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Title:	Effect of B4C variation on the mechanical, fractographic and tribological performance of hybrid composites Al7075/Gr/ZrO2.
Authors:	R., Sampath Kumar¹ Sampathkr39@gmail.com, Chittappa, H. C.² chittappahc@uvce.ac.in, Anand, Praveena Bindiganavile³ praveen.ba@nmit.ac.in, Vatnalmath, Manjunath⁴ vmanjunathsit@gmail.com, Nagaral, Madeva⁵ madev.nagaral@gmail.com
Source:	Fracture & Structural Integrity. Apr2026, Issue 76, p67-81. 15p.
Subjects:	Composite materials, Boron carbides, Casting (Manufacturing process), Mechanical behavior of materials, Zirconium oxide, Aluminum alloys, Sliding wear
Abstract:	This article investigates the effect of varying boron carbide (B4C) content on the mechanical, fractographic, and tribological performance of hybrid composites based on the aluminum alloy Al7075 reinforced with fixed amounts of graphite (Gr) and zirconia (ZrO2). Using a two-step stir casting process, composites with 3 wt.% Gr, 3 wt.% ZrO2, and 2–4 wt.% B4C were fabricated and characterized. Results show that the hybrid composites exhibit uniform particle dispersion, enhanced hardness (up to 87 BHN), increased ultimate tensile strength (up to 293 MPa), and improved yield strength compared to the base Al7075 alloy, with a slight reduction in ductility. Wear resistance significantly improved due to the synergistic effect of hard ceramic reinforcements (B4C and ZrO2) increasing load-bearing capacity and graphite acting as a solid lubricant, with the 4 wt.% B4C composite demonstrating optimal performance under various loads and sliding speeds. These findings support the potential of Al7075/Gr/ZrO2/B4C hybrid composites for lightweight structural applications in automotive and aerospace industries. [Extracted from the article]
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Database:	Engineering Source

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Abstract:	This article investigates the effect of varying boron carbide (B4C) content on the mechanical, fractographic, and tribological performance of hybrid composites based on the aluminum alloy Al7075 reinforced with fixed amounts of graphite (Gr) and zirconia (ZrO2). Using a two-step stir casting process, composites with 3 wt.% Gr, 3 wt.% ZrO2, and 2–4 wt.% B4C were fabricated and characterized. Results show that the hybrid composites exhibit uniform particle dispersion, enhanced hardness (up to 87 BHN), increased ultimate tensile strength (up to 293 MPa), and improved yield strength compared to the base Al7075 alloy, with a slight reduction in ductility. Wear resistance significantly improved due to the synergistic effect of hard ceramic reinforcements (B4C and ZrO2) increasing load-bearing capacity and graphite acting as a solid lubricant, with the 4 wt.% B4C composite demonstrating optimal performance under various loads and sliding speeds. These findings support the potential of Al7075/Gr/ZrO2/B4C hybrid composites for lightweight structural applications in automotive and aerospace industries. [Extracted from the article]
ISSN:	19718993
DOI:	10.3221/IGF-ESIS.76.05