Abstract
This study reports a comprehensive evaluation of the impact on the mechanical and tribological properties of boron carbide (B4C) particles reinforced with aluminum (LM25) metal matrix composites (MMCs). The synthesis of four different MMCs using the stir casting method and modifying 3, 6, and 9 wt% of 50 μm B4C particulates ensured the reliability of the results. Tensile strength and hardness increased with the rise in B₄C content. 9 wt% B₄C particulates to the LM25 matrix enhanced the hardness from 54.69 BHN to 68.54 BHN and increased the tensile strength from 198.48 MPa to 273.27 MPa. Various tribological (specific wear rate (SWR) and coefficient of friction (COF) characteristics were investigated. A novel hybrid metaheuristic sparrow search algorithm (SSA) was applied in the current study to provide the optimum process parameters and desired SWR and COF values of 2.102 mm3/Nm and 0.476, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy was used to assess the indigenously developed composites and understand the wear mechanism. The fabricated composites exhibited enhanced mechanical and tribological properties under specified experimental conditions, suggesting their suitability for further exploration in wear-resistant engineering applications.