Study of the Tribological behavior of as cast Al-4.2%Cu-Al2O3 composite

Abstract

The research work is carried out on the study of tribological property of aluminium based metal matrix composite material, which is fabricated by using sol-gel technique. The composite material is prepared through liquid metallurgy method by using varying percentage of Alumina and aluminium and fixed percentage of copper 4.2%. Test sample billet is fabricated through casting method and has been examined the different mechanical behaviour such as Vickers Hardness Number, Ultimate Tensile Strength, 0.2% Proof Stress, etc. From the study, it has been observed that with increase in the alumina content in matrix the ductility of composite show a contrary effect. The Pin-On-Disc test is used to evaluate the tribological property wear for composite material and it is observered that tendency of wear rate has improved. The weight losses of the specimen are measured and wear and friction characteristics are calculated with respect to time. Depth of wear track, sliding speed, bearing load friction coefficient and wear volume have been shown large sensitivity to the applied normal load and the testing time (or sliding distance). The XRD and SEM analysis are used to analyse I. Introduction Aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) refer to the class of light weight high performance aluminum centric material systems. The properties of AMCs can be tailored to the demands of different industrial applications by suitable combinations of matrix, reinforcement and processing route. Presently several grades of AMCs are manufactured by different routes. Three decades of intensive research have provided a wealth of new scientific knowledge on the intrinsic and extrinsic effects of ceramic reinforcement vis-a-vis physical, mechanical, thermo-mechanical and tribological properties of AMCs. In the last few years, AMCs have been utilized in high-tech structural and functional applications including aerospace, defence, automotive, and thermal management areas, as well as in sports and recreation. It is interesting to note that research on particle- reinforced cast AMCs took root in India during the 70's, attained industrial maturity in the developed world and is currently in the process of joining the mainstream of materials. This work represents an overview of AMC material systems on aspects relating to processing, microstructure, properties and applications.