Microstructural, mechanical, and tribological evaluation of spark plasma sintered functionally graded WE43/B4C composites

YILMAZ T. A., KARAKOÇ H., TAŞCI U.

Materials Letters, cilt.399, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 399
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.matlet.2025.139039
  • Dergi Adı: Materials Letters
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, Aerospace Database, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, INSPEC, Metadex, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: B4C, FGM, Mechanical properties, WE43 Mg alloy, Wear
  • Gazi Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

In this study, functional gradient composite structures were produced by integrating 5 %, 10 %, 20 %, and 40 % B4C reinforcement into WE43 magnesium alloy as a layered structure. The spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique was used as the production method. Microstructural characterization was carried out by SEM, EDS, and MAP analyses. Microhardness increased by ∼113 %, reaching 156 HV in the 40 % B4C reinforced layer. The transverse fracture strength (TRS) of the composite was measured (26 % increased) as 514 MPa. Tribological performance was evaluated by coefficient of friction (CoF) measurements under dry sliding conditions and worn surface examinations. The obtained CoF values showed a regular decrease with increasing B4C content.