Effect of sintering temperature on tribological behavior of Ce-TZP/Al2O3-aluminum nanocomposite

Abstract

10Ce-TZP/Al2O3 nanoparticles as reinforcement can be a good substitute in aluminum matrix composites prepared through powder metallurgy. In this work, the effects of sintering temperature on the hardness, friction, and wear characteristics of Al-10Ce-TZP/Al2O3 composites have been investigated. Ce-TZP/Al2O3 nanocomposites were synthesized by the aqueous combustion method. About 7 wt% 10Ce-TZP/Al2O3-aluminum composites in the form of cylindrical samples were prepared at the sintering temperatures of 400℃, 450℃, and 500℃ under an applied pressure of 600 MPa for 60 min. The experimental results show that the distribution of Ce-TZP/Al2O3 nanocomposite into the metal matrix is homogenous and that at 450℃ the hardness and wear resistance improved considerably. Formation of an oxide layer is a manifestation that in nanocomposites produced at 450℃, worn surfaces were smoother and the total depth of deformations were not severe.