Fabrication of aluminum based metal matrix composite using stir casting method and characterize its tribological properties

Abstract

In the present work wear characterization of Al7075 composite is carried out. The fabrication of aluminum based metal matrix composite (MMC) is done by vacuum stir casting method and characterize its tribological properties. Aluminum alloy of grade Al7075 is used as a matrix and tungsten carbide (WC) of 3% by weight is used as reinforcement to fabricate MMC. Evaluation of tribological properties of the composite has been investigated on the pin-on-disc tribometer in the range of normal load from 10 N to 30 N. The result shows that the tribological properties of composite i.e. (Al7075-3 %WC) was improved as compared with the base metal i.e. Al7075 due to presence of hard particulate of WC and depends upon normal pressure. The increase in wear resistance for composite was noted maximum at 20 N normal load with about ∼ 30% decrease in wear loss compared to base alloy.