Investigation of the Wear Behavior of Al-SiO۲ Nanocomposite Processed through Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF)

Aluminum is one of the most widely used metals in industry. Due to its characteristics and properties, such as high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent formability, it is utilized in various industries, including aerospace and automotive. However, the pure form of this material has limitations in applications due to its weak mechanical and tribological properties. For this reason, methods such as composite formation are employed to enhance the tribological properties of aluminum. One of the methods for fabricating aluminum matrix composites is the use of additive manufacturing techniques, such as Laser Powder Bed Fusion, which enables the production of parts with complex geometries and suitable mechanical properties. In the present study, Al-SiO۲ nanocomposite and pure aluminum were processed through Laser Powder Bed Fusion, and the wear behavior of these two materials was compared at a specific sliding speed and load. The results of the tests showed that the addition of ۱ weight percent of nano-silica to aluminum led to a ۲۵% reduction in wear rate and a ۳۵% increase in hardness. As a result, the composite fabrication with silica nanoparticles improved the wear properties of pure aluminum.

کلیدواژه ها:

Laser Powder Bed Fusion ، Metal Matrix Composite ، Wear Behavior ، Silica nanoparticle