MMCs represent a new generation of engineering materials in which a strong ceramic reinforcement is incorporated into a metal matrix to improve its properties including specific strength, specific stiffness, wear, corrosion resistance and elastic modulus. Aluminium oxide and silicon carbide powders in the form of fibers and particulates are commonly used as reinforcements in MMCs and the addition of these reinforcements to aluminum alloys has been the subject of a considerable amount of research work. Aluminum oxide and silicon carbide reinforced aluminum alloy matrix composites are applied in the automotive and aircraft where the tribological properties of these materials are considered important. Therefore, the development of aluminum matrix composites is receiving considerable emphasis in meeting the requirements of various industries. An economical way of producing metal matrix composite is the incorporation of the particles into the liquid metal and casting which leads to improvement in strength over the unreinforced alloy. Addition of particulate reinforcement improves stiffness, strength and tribological properties. Particle size also influences the uniformity of distribution of reinforcement in the matrix. Smaller the particle size, higher will be the agglomerate content in the composite structure. Particle also directly influences the porosity content in the composite structure.The purpose of research in Tribology is understandably the minimization of losses resulting from friction and wear at all levels of technology where the rubbing of surfaces is involved. The present work is a small attempt made to study the influence of reinforcement particulate size on the mechanical and tribological characteristics of Al-Al2O3p composites.
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