Mechanical and Tribological Behaviors of WAl12 Reinforced 2024 Aluminum Alloy Matrix Composites

WAl12 reinforced 2024 aluminum alloy matrix composites were prepared by powder metallurgy with tungsten particles and W50Al50 alloy particles. The effects of WAl12 on the mechanical properties of 2024 aluminum alloy composites at room temperature and high temperature were studied, and the friction behavior was characterized. The results show that intermetallic WAl12 phase forms in the composite by 2024 aluminum alloy and tungsten. The mechanical properties and friction behavior can be improved by the formation of intermetallic WAl12 phase. The tensile strength of 2024 aluminum alloy at room temperature and 180 °C can be improved by adding tungsten less than 1.5 at.%. Adding 2.0 at.% tungsten can reduce the friction coefficient by 20 % and the scratch width by 40 %. The tensile fracture surface of the sample was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), indicating that WAl12 intermetallic phase is closely connected with the aluminum matrix.