Dual matrix and reinforcement particle size (SPS and DPS) composites: influence on tribological behavior of particulate aluminum-SiC-Gr metal matrix composites

Abstract

Aluminum powder reinforcing with ceramic particles makes an attractive composite material among Metal Matrix Composites (MMC). This is mainly due to its high strength to weight ratio, good corrosion and wear resistance, high thermal and electrical conductivity properties. These properties in material has high demand in automobile, aircraft, marine and many other applications. This made the engineers in any stream of industry to shift their research from monolithic materials to aluminum composite materials. Blending aluminum (Al), Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Graphite (Gr) powders yield best possible composite material exceptional in unique class of innovative engineered materials developed to use in tribological applications. In the present research, powder reinforced composite samples were processed by conventional powder metallurgy (PM) method. Tribological properties like wear study done using DUCOM pin-on-ball disk equipment at controlled room temperature and dry conditions. The tribological behavior of unreinforced Al5052 and Al7075 sample and dual amalgamation of Al5052 + Al7075 matrix along with SiC and Graphite reinforced composites were prepared up to 18 weight % and analyzed. These composite samples were prepared using single or dual sized SiC particle powders. The influence of reinforcement particle size and amount of weight fraction on dry sliding wear behavior have been analyzed in detail by varying applied load, sliding speed and distance