Studies on Dry Sliding Wear Characteristics of Cermet WC-Co Particulate Reinforced Al7075 Metal Matrix Composite

Abstract

Abstract In the present work, an attempt is made to synthesize cermet (WC-Co) reinforced Al7075 metal matrix composite by liquid metallurgy route. The dry sliding wear behavior of these prepared composites was studied with varying sliding speed, load and sliding distance. Cermet in an amount of 6 wt% is used as reinforcement in Al7075 matrix. Microstructural characterization of the prepared composites is carried out using SEM/EDX and XRD studies. X-ray diffraction studies have revealed the peaks corresponding to α-Al, WC, Co and minor Al5W phases. SEM/EDX characterization revealed the uniform distribution of cermets in Al matrix. Dry sliding wear characteristics of the prepared composites were studied using a pin-on-disc testing machine. The wear rate for alloy and composites decreased with increase in sliding speed and increased with increase in applied load and increasing sliding displacement. The worn surfaces of the composites were investigated using optical microscope.