Microstructure and Dry Sliding Wear Behaviour of Al2219-TiC Composites

Abstract

In the present investigation, effect of applied normal load and sliding speed on wear behaviour of 2, 4 and 6 weight percentages of TiC particulate reinforced Al2219 alloy composites were reported. Al2219 - Titanium Carbide composites were fabricated by conventional liquid stir casting method. The microstructure of the composites was examined by scanning electron microscopy. The wear resistance of metal matrix composites was studied by conducting dry sliding wear assessment using a pin on disc apparatus. The experiments were conducted at a constant sliding speed of 700rpm and sliding distance of 2000m over varying loads of 0.5kg, 1kg, 1.5kg and 2kg. Similarly experiments were conducted at a constant load of 1.5kg and sliding distance of 2000m over varying sliding speeds of 600, 700, 800 and 900rpm. The results showed that the wear resistance of Al2219-TiC composites was better than the unreinforced alloy. The wear rate was found to increase with the applied load and sliding speed. Study of wear worn surfaces was carried out using scanning electron microscope.