Effect of SiC content on dry sliding wear, corrosion and corrosive wear of Al/SiC nanocomposites

Abstract

The corrosion, corrosive wear and dry sliding wear of nanocomposites, are extremely complicated and involve various chemical, physical and mechanical factors. The aim of this work is to investigate the effects of nanosized SiC content on the hardness, dry sliding wear, corrosion and corrosive wear of Al/SiC nanocomposites synthesized by mechanical milling cold pressing and hot extrusion. The corrosion resistance of these composites in 3% NaCl solution was investigated by electrochemical polarization testing and their dry sliding as well as corrosive wear resistance in the same solution was evaluated using a pin-on-disc tester. The microstructures of the samples and their worn surfaces were examined using scanning electron microscopy. It was shown that the dry sliding wear and corrosion resistance of these nanocomposites were improved with the increase of SiC content. It was concluded that due to the lubrication effect of the solution, both the friction coefficient and frictional heat that might soften the material were reduced. In addition, the improved strength of the nanocomposites combined with their better corrosion resistance contributed to their increased corrosive wear resistance, compared with the base alloy. The prominent wear mechanism in the unreinforced alloy was adhesive wear, in the Al/SiC nanocomposites, the wear mechanism changed to abrasive.