Tribological Properties and a Wear Model of Aluminium Matrix Composites - SiC Particles Designed for Metal Forming

Abstract

Aluminium based metal matrix composites are well known for their good wear resistance, high specific strength, stiffness and hardness. They have been applied in the aerospace, military and, especially, in the automotive industries. This paper presents the results of tests with regard to the application of a mixture of particles in aluminium matrix (AlCu2SiMn) composites where a mixture of SiC ceramic particles was used. The aim of the research was to determine the tribological properties as well as the phenomena and mechanisms which accompany the tribological wear of composites under dry friction conditions. The tribological investigations were conducted on a pin-on-block tester. The results of the tests show the composite obtained can be applied for sliding elements. Based on microscopic examinations and profilometry of the composites AlCu2SiMn+SiC surfaces at interaction the relationship between the size of reinforcing particles and the geometry of the surface layer of the composite was described. The study made it possible to develop a model of tribological wear of composites depending on the size of reinforcing particles.

Keywords

• tribology
• metal matrix composites
• wear