Tribological behavior of dual and triple particle size SiC reinforced Al‐MMCs: a comparative study

Abstract

PurposeThe aim is to study the tribological behavior of dual particle size (DPS) and triple particle size (TPS) SiC reinforced aluminum alloy‐based metal matrix composites – MMCs (Al/SiCp MMC).Design/methodology/approachAl‐MMCs with DPS and TPS of SiC were prepared using 20 wt% SiC and developed using stir‐casting process. The TPS composite consist of three different sizes of SiC and DPS composite consist of two different sizes of SiC. The tribological test was carried out using a pin‐on‐disc type tribo‐test machine under dry sliding condition.FindingsThe TPS composite exhibited better wear resistance properties compared to DPS composite. It is anticipated that when a composite is integrated with small, intermediate and large SiC particle sizes (which is known as TPS) within the same composite could be an effective method of optimizing the wear resistance properties of the developed material.Practical implicationsThis study provides a way to enhance the tribological behavior of automotive tribo‐components such as brake rotor, piston, cylinder, etc.Originality/valueThis investigation compares the tribological behavior of DPS and TPS SiC reinforced aluminum MMCs.