Experimental investigation on the two body abrasive wear of AA6061-SiC-Gr nano and hybrid nanocomposites

Abstract

Aluminium based hybrid nanocomposites can be employed in many applications owing to their desirable traits. Depending on the constituents of the hybrid metal matrix composites, they must be tested for their wear performance since there is a high chance that these materials will experience rapid wear. Determining the tribological behaviour of AA6061/ 2 wt. % SiCp nanocomposite and AA6061/2wt. % SiCp/2 wt. % graphite hybrid nanocomposite is the prime objective of this study. With AA6061 as the metal matrix and nano sized silicon carbide, graphite particles as primary and secondary reinforcements respectively, all the composite samples have been fabricated using ultrasonic assisted stir casting. Evaluation of the wear behaviour of the aforementioned materials is done using the two body abrasive wear tests conducted on a pin-on-disc apparatus. Wear coefficients and friction coefficients have been computed and were also analyzed with respect to various parameters. Additionally, wear mechanisms involved were deciphered and subsequently, wear maps have been developed for all the samples. The sample consisting 2 wt. % SiC and 2 wt. % graphite was found to have excellent wear resistance among all. Additionally, coefficient of friction was the lowest for the aforementioned sample itself.