Tribological Behavior of Al-SiC Metal Matrix Composite in Acidic Medium

Abstract

In this present paper, the friction and wear performances of Al-SiC metal matrix composite (MMC) for varying operating parameters (applied load and sliding speed) have been studied under acidic environment. The composite material is developed by reinforcing SiC particle (5 wt. %) with aluminum alloy (LM6) using stir casting method. The tribological behavior is performed using a friction and wear monitor under sulphuric acid environment where sliding time is kept constant for 30 minutes. It is found that wear is directly proportional to the applied normal load and sliding speed. Coefficient of friction value decreases with increase in load but remains almost constant with variation of sliding speed. The surface morphology is studied with the help of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersed X-ray (EDX) analysis.