Abstract
Due to their excellent synergistic properties, Aluminum Matrix Composites (AMC) have achieved a high degree of prominence in different industries. In addition to strength, the wear resistance of materials is also an important criterion for numerous applications. The wear resistance depends on the surface topography as well as the working conditions of the interacting parts. Therefore, extensive experiments are being conducted to improve the suitability of engineering materials (including AMC) for different applications. This paper presents research on manufactured aluminum metal matrix composites reinforced with 10 wt.% of Al2SiO5 (aluminum sillimanite). The manufactured and prepared samples were subjected to surface topography measurements and to tribological studies both with and without lubricant using a block-on-ring tester. Based on the results, analyses of the surface topography (i.e., surface roughness parameters, Abbott–Firestone curve, and surface defects) as well as of the tribological characteristics (i.a. friction coefficient, linear wear, and wear intensity) were performed. Differences in the surface topography of the manufactured elements were shown. The surface topography had a significant impact on tribological characteristics of the sliding joints in the tests where lubrication was and was not used. Better tribological characteristics were obtained for the surfaces characterized by greater roughness (determined on the basis of both the profile and surface texture parameters). In the case of tribological tests with lubrication, the friction coefficient as well as the wear intensity was significantly lower compared to tribological tests without lubrication. However, lower values of the friction coefficient and wear intensity were still recorded for the surfaces that were characterized by greater roughness. The obtained results showed that it is important to analyze the surface topography because surface characteristics influence tribological properties.
Highlights
Aluminum alloys, which are known as Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs), with ceramic particles added as reinforcement have been developed [2]
The subjects of the study were samples made of aluminum sillimanite-reinforced composite—ASRC (Aluminum Matrix Composite with 10% reinforcement Al2 SiO5 )
The average size of the sillimanite particle was in the range of 55 to 80 μm
Summary
Aluminum and its alloys are lightweight materials that have been used extensively in the aerospace and automobile industries due to their superior properties, such as their higher strength to weight ratio, excellent performance at low temperatures, and corrosion resistance [1]. They have drawbacks such as poor wear resistance and lower high-temperature performance. Manufacturers such as Duralcan, Martin Marietta, and Lanxide have used Al/SiCp composites for fabricating pistons, brake rotors, and propeller shafts, while Toyota and Dupont use Al/Al2 O3 to make their piston rings and connecting rods [6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
