Effect of sintering on wear characteristics of Fe-Al2O3 metal matrix composites

Abstract

This article reports the results of investigation of tribological properties of 5 wt% Al2O3 reinforced iron-based metal matrix composite fabricated using powder metallurgy technique. Composition of the composite by weight was 95% Fe as a matrix material and 5% Al2O3 as reinforcement. Green compacts were sintered in an argon atmosphere in the temperature range of 900–1100  ℃ for 1 to 3 h. Dry sliding wear test were performed on the specimens using pin-on-disc wear and friction testing machine keeping the fixed sliding velocity as 4 m/s and sliding time as 60 min for loads of 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 kg. Microstructure of weared specimens as studied by scanning electron microscope revealed that adhesive wear is more prominent at lower load where as abrasive wear is more prominent at higher load. Wear rate is also dependent on sintering temperature and time. This is explained in terms of densification, hardness and nature of wear occurring in the specimen.