A study on tribological behavior of Al-4%Mg incorporated with MoS2

Abstract

Abstract This investigation studies the dry sliding wear behavior of Al-4Mg matrix composites reinforced with different wt% of molybdenum disulfide (2, 4 & 6 wt%) produced using powder metallurgy route. The processed powders are initially characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) equipped with Energy Dispersive x-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). To authenticate the decisive distribution of the reinforcement particles with the matrix material, SEM analysis has been employed. The wear test is conducted on a pin-on-disc machine based on L27 orthogonal array with three control factors (three level) sliding velocity (0.5, 2.0, 3.5 m s−1), applied load (5, 15, 25 N) and sliding distance (500, 750, 1000 m) to inspect the responses namely wear loss and coefficient of friction. Moreover, the worn surface and wear debris analysis of the composite pin surface have been examined through SEM to identify the wear mechanism. It has been identified that the development of lubricant layer is diminished by increasing the wt% of MoS2 particulates and the wear loss is diminished. Likewise, diminutive debris have attained in the worn surface of Al-Mg-6 wt% MoS2 composite material, since effectual solid lubricant properties have been exposed. Higher plastic deformation is attained at amplified load and it affects the pin surface and thus, Coefficient of Friction (COF) is augmented.