Comparison of wear behaviour of LM13 Al−Si alloy based composites reinforced with synthetic (B4C) and natural (ilmenite) ceramic particles

Abstract

Dry sliding wear behaviour of stir-cast aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) containing LM13 alloy as matrix and ceramic particles as reinforcement was investigated. Two different ceramic particle reinforcements were used separately: synthetic ceramic particles (B4C), and natural ceramic particles (ilmenite). Optical micrographs showed uniform dispersion of reinforced particles in the matrix material. Reinforced particles refined the grain size of eutectic silicon and changed its morphology to globular type. B4C reinforced composites (BRCs) showed maximum improvement in hardness of AMCs. Ilmenite reinforced composites (IRCs) showed maximum reduction in coefficient of friction values due to strong matrix−reinforcement interfacial bonding caused by the formation of interfacial compounds. Dry sliding wear behaviour of composites was significantly improved as compared to base alloy. The low density and high hardness of B4C particles resulted in high dislocation density around filler particles in BRCs. On the other hand, the low thermal conductivity of ilmenite particles resulted in early oxidation and formation of a tribo-layer on surface of IRCs. So, both types of reinforcements led to the improvement in wear properties of AMCs, though the mechanisms involved were very different. Thus, the low-cost ilmenite particles can be used as alternative fillers to the high-cost B4C particles for processing of wear resistant composites.