The effect of Cu addition on wear mechanisms and tribological properties of aluminium matrix composites reinforced with SiC

Abstract

The article discusses the results of research on the effect of 4 wt.% Cu addition on the tribological properties of composites based on aluminium matrix reinforced with SiC particles. The research also included the analysis of the microstructure and the hardness. The composites were made of elementary powders in a rigid die on a single-action compaction press and then sintered under the nitrogen atmosphere. The silicon carbide content was: 2.5; 5; 7.5; 10 and 15 wt.%. The tests of tribological properties were carried out using a block-on-ring T05 tester under the technically dry friction conditions, and the counter-sample was made of 100 Cr6 steel. The research covered the determination of mass losses, coefficients of friction as well as friction coefficient changes as the function of process duration and material. The obtained results proved that the addition of 4 wt.% Cu helps to reduce the friction coefficient and for composites that contain above 7.5 wt.% SiC also improves their wear resistance. It was also demonstrated that both the addition of Cu as well as an increase of SiC content in the composites have a positive effect on friction by reducing the adhesive wear share in the friction process.