Microstructure and Dry-Sliding Wear Behavior of B4C Ceramic Particulate Reinforced Al 5083 Matrix Composite

B4C ceramic particulate–reinforced Al 5083 matrix composite with various B4C content was fabricated successfully via hot-press sintering under Argon atmosphere. B4C particles presented relative high wettability, bonding strength and symmetrical distribution in the Al 5083 matrix. The hardness value, friction coefficient and wear resistance of the composite were higher than those of the Al 5083 matrix. The augment of the B4C content resulted in the increase of the friction coefficient and decrease of the wear mass loss, respectively. The 30 wt % B4C/Al 5083 composite exhibited the highest wear resistance. At a low load of 50 N, the dominant wear mechanisms of the B4C/Al 5083 composite were micro-cutting and abrasive wear. At a high load of 200 N, the dominant wear mechanisms were micro-cutting and adhesion wear associated with the formation of the delamination layer which protected the composite from further wear and enhanced the wear resistance under the condition of high load.