Studies on Adhesive Wear Characteristics of Centrifugally Cast Functionally Graded Ceramic Reinforced Composite

Abstract

Functionally graded material containing LM13 aluminium alloy as matrix and alumina as reinforcement (10 wt. %) was fabricated (Φout150 × Φin90 × 100 mm) by centrifugal casting. Samples were machined from the cylindrical cast along its longitudinal axis. Variation in hardness along the radial cross-sectional wall revealed 33.7% improvement at the outer periphery due to higher presence of alumina. This zone was preferred for dry sliding wear experiments, designed based on Taguchi L27 orthogonal array by varying the process parameters like sliding velocity, sliding distance and load using pin-on-disc tribometer. Analysis of variance revealed velocity as most influential wear factor, next to load. An optimal condition to minimise adhesive wear was determined at a load of 15 N, sliding velocity of 3.5 m/s and sliding distance of 1250 m. Scanning electron microscope analysis on abraded surfaces showed formation of tribolayer at high velocities and delamination at high loads.