Abrasion and Erosion-Corrosion Behavior of Al-Mn Alloy Matrix Composites Reinforced with Al2O3 Particulates

Abstract

Al-2%Mn alloy matrix composites reinforced with Al2O3 particulates was fabricated by stirring cast, and the composites was characterized and analyzed by using a variety of analytical techniques, such as XRD, SEM, EDS, Brinell hardness tester, ring-on-block tribometer, and erosion-corrosion tester. The results show that the composites in as cast condition is mainly composed of Al,  -Al2O3, MnAl6 and Al11Mn4 phase, and the Al2O3 particles are dispersed uniformly in the Al matrix. Compared with the base aluminium and the Al-2%Mn alloy, the HB hardness of the composites is increased significantly, and the wear loss is far less under the SO4•Cl- Na•Ca• Mg corrosive alkalescent aqueous solution lubricated condition. The erosive-corrosive wear rates of the composites are lower than those of the Al-2%Mn alloy irrespective of the rotational speed or the size of grinding particles. The Al2O3 particulates reinforced Al-2%Mn alloy matrix composites possesses a good wear-resistance and erosion-corrosion resistance due to its higher hardness.