Investigation of Unlubricated Sliding Wear Behaviours of In-Situ AlB2/Al Metal Matrix Composite

Abstract

In this study, wear behaviour of AlB2/Al composite materials produced through in-situ method have been experimentally investigated. Four different composite materials that include 5wt.%, 10wt.%, 20wt.% and 30wt.% AlB2 reinforcement phase were tested using pin-on-disk arrangement. The effects of the rate of reinforcement on wear and friction behaviours have been investigated. Wear tests are carried out at 1.83, 3.40 and 4.71 m/s sliding speeds under 10, 20 and 40 N applied loads. The test results show that wear rate increases with the increase in applied load and sliding distance. Increasing the rate of reinforcement phase in the matrix has proportionally increased the wear resistance by 3% to 30%. Hence the greatest wear resistance has been observed with the composite materials having 30wt. % AlB2 reinforcement. Analysis of the worn surfaces of composite samples shows that abrasive and adhesive wear mechanisms are more effective.