Wear characteristics of Al matrix reinforced with Al2O3-carbon hybrid metal matrix composites

Abstract

Recent trends in materials engineering show a significant attention towards the fabrication of hybrid composites so as to meet several demands of high strength to weight ratio, hardness, wear resistance and corrosion resistance. The popular metallic matrix is aluminium which is currently in demand since it can be reinforced with various ceramic reinforcements so as to the meet required properties. The aim of the present study is to investigate Vickers hardness and wear behavior of Al-Al2O3-C hybrid metal matrix composite. Al matrix reinforced with Al2O3-carbon was prepared by mechanical stir casting by incorporating equal proportion of reinforcement (2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10 wt.%). Vickers hardness, wear and microstructure of the worn surface of prepared sample have been investigated. Vickers hardness increases as per the variation of reinforcement. Wear test was conducted on pin-on-disc machine with varying load i.e. 5 N, 10 N, 15 N, 20 N, and 25 N. Analysis of wear properties at various reinforcement concentration has been carried out. Carbon has lubricating properties so wear resistance of the hybrid composite increases with the variation of carbon (graphite) particles. The worn surface was examined by scanning electron microscope which revealed deep grooves, more debris and rough surface in pure Al matrix as compared to the high percentage reinforced composites. It is predicted that the present hybrid composite will be useful for fabricating stock screw.