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The addition of fillers to polymer composites induces a positive influence on the mechanical and tribological properties of the hybrid composites. These properties can be validated for possible uses such as automobile, construction, shipping, aerospace, sports equipment, electronics, and biomedical domains. In the present research, epoxy matrix reinforced with nylon-6 fibers and glass fibers were prepared using the solution blend technique. Alumina nanoparticles are added as fillers to enhance the properties of epoxy hybrid composites. The large surface area of interaction of nanofillers exhibits better adhesion between matrix and fibers of composites, and it significantly affects the various properties of composites. The tribological characteristics of fabricated epoxy hybrid composites were evaluated under various parameters and conditions. The results revealed that the addition of nanofiller significantly reduces the wear loss of epoxy hybrid nanocomposites. The wear resistance of epoxy hybrid composites increased with increase in addition of nanofiller up to 1.0%, and it slightly decreased with the further addition of filler. The Taguchi analysis was carried out for the least coefficient of friction and specific wear rate. The analysis found that the specific wear rate and coefficient of friction mainly depend on load, followed by speed and nanofiller. The fractured and worn surface of Al2O3-filled epoxy hybrid composites was analysed using SEM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, synthesis and assessment of the mechanical and wear possessions of Al7049-nano B4C composites are determined by experiments. Using the liquid metallurgy route, a stir casting technique was used to create composites with increasing concentrations of nano B4C from 3 to 9 weight %. Each composite's reinforcement particles were heated to 400 degrees Celsius before being added to the molten Al7049 alloy in two separate steps, i.e., two-stage stir casting to optimise wettability and distribution. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was utilised to examine the microstructure, and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) was utilised to determine the elemental make-up. Mechanical characteristics of composites were determined by subjecting them to tensile, compression, and hardness tests. Wear tests were conducted as per ASTM G99 standards with varying loads and speeds. Nanosized B4C particles were found to be dispersed throughout the sample space in a microstructural analysis. Hardness, ultimate strength, yield strength, and compression strength of Al7049 alloy composites were found to increase significantly as the weight percentage of nano B4C was increased. Additionally, compared to the unreinforced form, the ductility of the Al7049 alloy composites was slightly reduced. SEM micrographs of tensile-fractured specimens were used for research into the field of tensile fractography. Nano B4C reinforced composites exhibited superior wear resistance as compared to Al7049 alloy. These prepared composites can be used for wing root fitting of an aircraft. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The spring back and thinning effect during L-bending was determined on aluminum sheet. [•] Beyond a particular clearance, the above said effects are linearly increasing. [•] Below the critical clearance scratches will occur on the surface due to wear. [•] As the clearance reduces, the wear rate increases on the punching surface. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]