Wear properties of SiCp and TiO2p reinforced aluminium metal matrix composites

Abstract

Aluminum matrix hybrid composites are finding numerous applications owing to improved mechanical and wear resistance and consequently are superior substitutes for single reinforced composites. Prediction of wear rate gains impulsion in current engineering development to appraise the existence of sliding components in advance to circumvent enormous economic losses that incur due to wear. In this regard the present work deals with the preparation of aluminium alloy (Al6061-T6) with silicon carbide (SiC) and titanium oxide (TiO₂) composites by stir casting liquid metallurgy route. The incorporation of SiC and TiO₂ in the composite is varied from 2.5 to 15 wt%. Wear test, hardness and microstructural studies are conducted on the cast Al6061/SiC and Al6061/TiO₂ metal matrix composite (MMC) and hybrid Al6061/2.5 wt% TiO₂/2.5 to 15 wt% SiC. Pin-on-disc is used to assess the wear resistance of the prepared composites. Al6061/2.5wt%TiO₂/7.5wt%SiC hybrid composite exhibited higher hardness, lower wear co-efficient. The predicted wear co-efficient are in close agreement with the experimental values. The microstructure of the worn out specimen is examined by scanning electron microscope. The experimental results indicate a significant effect of SiC and TiO₂ particles on enhancing the wear resistance of Al6061 composites and influenced the microstructure and hardness of the composites.