Evaluation of Erosive Wear Rate of Al2O3-Cu Composite

Abstract

This paper presents the analysis of erosive wear rate of Al2O3-Cu composite with 0, 1, 3, 5 and 7 wt% loading of Al2O3 particles. Composite samples were fabricated through cost effective powder processing technique. The surface morphology of the composites was analysed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and composition was examined by Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX). The density analysis show that the mass density increases with increase in wt% of Al2O3 particles up to 5 wt% and then decreases from 5 wt% to 7 wt% o. The decrease in mass density of composite at 7 wt% of Al2O3 particles may be due to agglomeration of Al2O3 particles. Hardness results show that the addition of Al2O3 particles, the hardness value increases up to an optimum level of wt% of Al2O3. The analysis of erosive wear shows that the erosive wear rate decreases with increasing wt% of Al2O3 from 0 wt% to 5 wt% of Al2O3 particles and then increases to 7 wt%. The erosive wear rate of the Al2O3-Cu composite depend on optimum level addition of Al2O3, sintered mass density, hardness value and distribution of Al2O3 particle in the composite.