Effect of addition of graphite particulates on the wear behaviour in aluminium–silicon carbide–graphite composites

Aluminium matrix composites with multiple reinforcements (hybrid AMCs) are finding increased applications because of improved mechanical and tribological properties and hence are better substitutes for single reinforced composites. Few investigations have been reported on the tribological behaviour of these composites with % reinforcement above 10%. The present study focuses on the influence of addition of graphite (Gr) particulates as a second reinforcement on the tribological behaviour of aluminium matrix composites reinforced with silicon carbide (SiC) particulates. Dry sliding wear tests have been performed to study the influence of Gr particulates, load, sliding speed and sliding distance on the wear of hybrid composite specimens with combined % reinforcement of 2.5%, 5%, 7.5% and 10% with equal weight % of SiC and Gr particulates. Experiments are also conducted on composites with % reinforcement of SiC similar to hybrid composites for the sake of comparison. Parametric studies based on design of experiments (DOE) techniques indicate that the wear of hybrid composites decreases from 0.0234 g to 0.0221 g as the % reinforcement increases from 3% to 7.5%. But the wear has a tendency to increase beyond % reinforcement of 7.5% as its value is 0.0225 g at.% reinforcement of 10%. This trend is absent in case of composites reinforced with SiC alone. The values of wear of these composites are 0.0323 g, 0.0252 g and 0.0223 g, respectively, at.% reinforcement of 3%, 7.5% and 10% clearly indicating that hybrid composites exhibit better wear characteristics compared to composites reinforced with SiC alone. Load and sliding distance show a positive influence on wear implying increase of wear with increase of either load or sliding distance or both. Whereas speed shows a negative influence on wear indicating decrease of wear with increase of speed. Interactions among load, sliding speed and sliding distance are noticed in hybrid composites and this may be attributed to the addition of Gr particulates. Such interactions are not present in composite reinforced with SiC alone. Mathematical models are formulated to predict the wear of the composites.     

Wear characteristics of hybrid aluminium matrix composites reinforced with graphite and silicon carbide particulates

This investigation studies the dry sliding wear behaviour of Al matrix composites reinforced with Gr and SiC particulate up to 10%, to study the effect of % reinforcement, load, sliding speed and sliding distance on stir cast Al–SiC–Gr hybrid composites, Al–Gr and Al–SiC composites. Parametric studies indicate that the wear of hybrid composites has a tendency to increase beyond% reinforcement of 7.5% as its values are 0.0242 g, 0.0228 g and 0.0234 g respectively at 3%, 7.5% and 10% reinforcement. The corresponding values are 0.0254 g, 0.0240 g and 0.0242 g in Al–Gr composites and 0.0307 g, 0.0254 g and 0.0221 g in Al–SiC composites, clearly indicating that hybrid composites exhibit better wear characteristics. Increase of speed reduces wear and increase of either load or sliding distance or both increases wear. Statistical analysis has revealed interactions among load, sliding speed and sliding distance in composites with Gr particulates.     

Friction characteristics of aluminium silicon carbide graphite hybrid composites

Hybrid aluminum metal matrix composites reinforced with silicon carbide (SiC) and graphite (Gr) are extensively used due to high strength and wear resistance. Friction behavior of such hybrid composites is quite vital in deciding the optimal combination of SiC and Gr. The sliding friction response of stir cast hybrid aluminum composites reinforced with equal weight fraction of SiC and Gr particulates of 2.5%, 5%, 7.5% and 10% reinforcement is investigated. The influence of % reinforcement, load, sliding speed and sliding distance on friction coefficient is studied using pin-on-disk equipment with tests based on design of experiments. Hardness of the composites decreases with increase in % reinforcement. Friction coefficient is influenced by sliding speed as well as load and its average value is around 0.269. But, % reinforcement and sliding distance do not affect the friction coefficient.     

Tribological properties of powder metallurgy – Processed aluminium self lubricating hybrid composites with SiC additions

In this experimental study, aluminium (Al)-based graphite (Gr) and silicon carbide (SiC) particle-reinforced, self-lubricating hybrid composite materials were manufactured by powder metallurgy. The tribological and mechanical properties of these composite materials were investigated under dry sliding conditions. The results of the tests revealed that the SiC-reinforced hybrid composites exhibited a lower wear loss compared to the unreinforced alloy and Al–Gr composites. It was found that with an increase in the SiC content, the wear resistance increased monotonically with hardness. The hybridisation of the two reinforcements also improved the wear resistance of the composites, especially under high sliding speeds. Additionally, the wear loss of the hybrid composites decreased with increasing applied load and sliding distance, and a low friction coefficient and low wear loss were achieved at high sliding speeds. The composite with 5 wt.% Gr and 20 wt.% SiC showed the greatest improvement in tribological performance. The wear mechanism was studied through worn surface and wear debris analysis as well as microscopic examination of the wear tracks. This study revealed that the addition of both a hard reinforcement (e.g., SiC) and soft reinforcement (e.g., graphite) significantly improves the wear resistance of aluminium composites. On the whole, these results indicate that the hybrid aluminium composites can be considered as an outstanding material where high strength and wear-resistant components are of major importance, predominantly in the aerospace and automotive engineering sectors.     

SiC 和Gr 颗粒混杂增强Al 基复合材料的摩擦磨损特性的研究

比较了SiC 和Gr 颗粒混杂增强Al 基复合材料的干摩擦磨损行为, 并与单一SiC_P 和单一G_rP 增强Al 基复合材料的相应行为进行了比较。结果表明, 在低载荷(< 30 N ) 时, SiC_P 和G_rP 能协调作用, 使混杂复合材料的摩擦系数和磨损率均比单一SiC_P 和G_rP 增强复合材料低。在较高载荷(30～ 120 N ) 时, 混杂复合材料磨损以剥层磨损机制为主, 摩擦系数比单一SiC_P 增强复合材料低, 磨损率比单一G_rP 增强复合材料低得多, 比单一SiC_P 增强复合材料高。混杂复合材料对偶件的磨损比单一SiC_P 增强复合材料低得多。      

The sliding wear behavior of TiCp/AZ91 magnesium matrix composites

The AZ91 metal matrix composites (MMCs) reinforced with 5, 10 and 15 wt.% TiC particulates are fabricated by TiC_p–Al master alloy process combined with mechanical stirring. The effects of TiC particulate content, applied load and wearing time on the sliding wear behaviors of the composites were investigated using MM-200 wear testing apparatus. The results show that the wear resistance and friction coefficient of the composites increased and decreased with increase of the TiC particulate content, respectively. The wear volume loss and friction coefficient of the reinforced composites as well as the unreinforced AZ91 matrix alloy increased with increase of applied load or wearing time, but the increase rates of the reinforced composites in two performance is lower than those of the unreinforced AZ91 matrix alloy. Furthermore, the sliding wear behavior of the composites and the unreinforced AZ91 matrix alloy is characterized by ploughing, adhesion and oxidation abrasion.     

Comparative analysis of wear behavior of garnet and fly ash reinforced Al7075 hybrid composite

Al7075 hybrid composites reinforced with varying weight percentage (0 wt.%, 5 wt.%, 10 wt.%, 15 wt.%) of each of garnet and fly ash were fabricated and characterized for their comparative wear assessment. The sliding wear test was conducted on a reciprocating tribometer in dry medium under the working conditions of applied normal load (2 N, 4 N, 6 N, 8 N), sliding velocities (0.04 m/s, 0.08 m/s, 0.12 m/s, 0.16 m/s), sliding distance (20 m, 40 m, 60 m, 80 m) and working temperature (25 °C, 50 °C, 75 °C, 100 °C). The experiments were performed as per steady‐state condition and Taguchi (L₂₅) orthogonal array design to evaluate specific wear rate of the Al7075 hybrid composites. The finding of results indicated that the wear rate was decreased with the increase in the filler content in both the case of garnet and fly ash reinforced Al7075 hybrid composites. The results from Taguchi experiments suggested that the filler content and load were the most significant factors affecting wear behavior of composites while temperature and sliding distance are the least significant factors. Also, the garnet reinforced Al7075 hybrid composite indicated less specific wear rate as compared to that of fly ash reinforced Al7075 hybrid composite.     

Effect of SiC content on the processing, compaction behavior, and properties of Al6061/SiC/Gr hybrid composites

Aluminum matrix composites reinforced with SiC and graphite (Gr) particles are a unique class of advanced engineered materials that have been developed to use in tribological applications. The conventional techniques for producing these composites have some drawbacks. In this study, a new method, namely In situ Powder Metallurgy (IPM), is applied for the preparation of Al6061/SiC/Gr hybrid composites. In this method, the stir casting and the powder metallurgy synthesizing processes are combined into an integrated net shape forming process. 0?C40 vol.% of SiC particles with an average size of 19 ??m, along with 9 vol.% of uncoated Gr particles, were introduced to the molten 6061 aluminum alloy. Then, the slurries were stirred in a specified time?Ctemperature regime resulting in mixtures of the SiC, Gr, and aluminum powder particles. The powder mixtures were cold pressed in six different pressures (between 250 and 750 MPa) and sintered. Finally, the produced composites were heat treated and their hardness and wear properties were investigated. Homogenous distribution of the SiC and Gr particles within the powder mixtures and the hybrid composites is clear from the SEM images. The results also show that the SiC particles decrease the compressibility of the hybrid powders and improve the hardness of composites. The best wear resistance is achieved in the hybrid composite containing 20 vol.% SiC particles.     

Microstructure and mechanical behavior of AA6082-T6/SiC/B4C-based aluminum hybrid composites

The microstructural and mechanical behavior of hybrid metal matrix composite based on aluminum alloy 6082-T6 reinforced with silicon carbide (SiC) and boron carbide (B₄C) particles was investigated. For this purpose, the hybrid composites were fabricated using conventional stir casting process by varying weight percentages of 5, 10, 15, and 20?wt% of (SiC?+?B₄C) mixture. Dispersion of the reinforced particles was studied with x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analyses. Mechanical properties such as micro-hardness, impact strength, ultimate tensile strength, percentage elongation, density, and porosity were investigated on hybrid composites at room temperature. The results revealed that the increase in weight percentage of (SiC?+?B₄C) mixture gives superior hardness and tensile strength with slight decrease in percentage elongation. However, some reduction in both hardness and tensile strength was observed in hybrid composites with 20?wt% of (SiC?+?B₄C) mixture. As compared to the un-reinforced alloy, the improvement in hardness and tensile strength for hybrid composites was found to be 10% and 21%, respectively. Reduction in impact strength and density with increase in porosity was also reported with the addition of reinforcement.     

Production and characterization of AA6082-(Si3N4 + Gr) stir cast hybrid composites

The present research work emphasizes the development of hybrid aluminum (AA6082) matrix composites (HAMCs) reinforced with different weight percentages (wt.%) of ball-milled (silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) + graphite (Gr)) ceramic particulates by conventional stir casting process. Si₃N₄ and Gr are ball milled to obtain a definite density of combined powder. The weight percentage of ball-milled ceramic powder is varied from 0 to 12 wt.% in a stage of 3%. The microstructures as well as mechanical properties of the fabricated hybrid composites are analyzed. The scanning electron micrograph reveals the uniform distribution of ball-milled (Si₃N₄ + Gr) ceramic particulates in the aluminum matrix. The distribution of ball-milled (Si₃N₄ + Gr) ceramic particulates has also been analyzed with x-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. Both the hardness and ultimate tensile strength have enhanced with a reduction in percentage elongation with increase in weight percentage of ball-milled (Si₃N₄ + Gr) ceramic particulates in the aluminum matrix.     

Optimization of reinforcement content and sliding distance for AlSi7Mg/SiCp composites using response surface methodology

Extruded AlSi7 Mg alloy based SiC_p reinforced (AlSi7 Mg/SiC_p) composites and the matrix alloy were wear tested on a pin on disk type tester. The work was planned so that some response surface (RS) models can be used to examine the wear behaviour of composite samples. The effects of friction load, sliding distance and reinforcement content on the wear rate and weight loss of AlSi7 Mg/SiC_p composites were evaluated by using RS optimization procedure. In the applications of RS models to engineering problems, the estimated RS models usually have a maximum or a minimum point. Through this article the RS optimization procedure was employed to optimize the reinforcement content and sliding distance for the minimization of wear rate and weight loss of tested composites. During the tests, the values of reinforcement content, friction load and sliding distance were changed on the intervals (0%, 20%), (49 N, 169 N), (100 m, 1000 m), respectively. It was shown that there exists some optimum values of reinforcement content and some optimum values of sliding distance which minimize the wear rates also weight losses of tested composites for some fixed values of friction load in the experimental region. In this concern, the average value of optimum reinforcement contents and the average value of optimum sliding distances of AlSi7 Mg/SiC_p composites minimizing the wear rate were found as 13% and 595 m, respectively. Also the average value of optimum reinforcement content minimizing the weight loss was found as 13%.     

Experimental investigation on mechanical properties and wear characterization of Al-Si12CulMg1 aluminium alloy reinforced with titanium diboride and boron carbide particulate hybrid composites using stir casting process

LM13 aluminium alloy (Al−Si12CulMg1) with titanium diboride (TiB₂) and boron carbide (B₄C) particulate hybrid composites have been prepared using stir casting process. Wt% of titanium diboride is varied from 0–10 and constant 5 wt% boron carbide particles have been used to reinforce LM13 aluminium alloy. Microstructure of the composites has been investigated and mechanical properties viz., hardness, the tensile strength of composites have been analyzed. Wear behavior of samples has been tested using a pin on disc apparatus under varying load (20 N–50 N) for a sliding distance of 2000 m. Fracture and wear on the surface of samples have been investigated. Microstructures of composites show uniform dispersion of particles in LM13 aluminium alloy. Hardness and tensile strength of composites increased with increasing wt % of reinforcements. Dry sliding wear test results reveal that weight loss of composites increased with increasing load and sliding distance. Fracture on the surface of composites reveals that the initiation of crack is at the interface of the matrix and reinforcement whereas dimples are observed for LM13 aluminium alloy. Worn surface of composites shows fine grooves and delamination is observed for the matrix.     

Dry wear properties of A356-SiC particle reinforced MMCs produced by two melting routes

SiC particle reinforced metal matrix composites (MMCs) were produced by a common liquid phase technique in two melting routes. In the first route, 5, 10, 15 and 20 vol% SiC reinforced A356-based MMCs were produced. In the second route, an Alcan A356 + 20 vol% SiC composite was diluted to obtain 5, 10, 15 and 20 vol% SiC MMCs. In both cases the average particle size was 12 μm. The composites that produced by two different routes were aimed to compare the dry wear resistance properties. A dry ball-on disk wear test was carried out for both groups of MMCs and their matrix materials. The tests were performed against a WC ball, 4.6 mm in diameter, at room temperature and in laboratory air conditions with a relative humidity of 40–60%. Sliding speed was chosen as 0.4 m/s and normal loads of 1, 2, 3 and 5 N were employed. The sliding distance was kept at 1000 m. The wear damage on the specimens was evaluated via measurement of wear depth and diameter. A complete wear microstructural characterization was carried out via scanning electron microscopy. The wear behaviors were recorded nearly similar for both groups of composites. Diluted samples showed lower friction coefficient values compared with the friction coefficient values of the vortex-produced composites. This was attributed poor bonding between matrix and particles in the vortex-produced composites associated with high porosities. But, in general, diluted Alcan composites showed slightly lower wear rate relationship with the particle volume percent and applied load when compared with vortex produced materials.     

Hybrid effect of nanoparticles with carbon fibers on the mechanical and wear properties of polymer composites

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) composites reinforced with carbon fibers (CFs) and nano-ZrO₂ particles were prepared by incorporating nanoparticles into PEEK/CF composites via twin-screw extrusion. The effects of nanoparticles on the mechanical and wear properties of the PEEK/CF composites were studied. The results showed that the incorporation of nano-ZrO₂ particles with carbon fiber could effectively enhance the tensile properties of the composites. The tensile strength and Young’s modulus of the composites increased with the increasing nano-ZrO₂ content. The enhancement effect of the particle was more significant in the hybrid reinforced composites. The compounding of the two fillers also remarkably improved the wear resistance of the composites under water condition especially under high pressures. It was revealed that the excellent wear resistance of the PEEK/CF/ZrO₂ composites was due to a synergy effect between the nano-ZrO₂ particles and CF. CF carried the majority of load during sliding process and prevented severe wear to the matrix. The incorporation of nano-ZrO₂ effectively inhibited the CF failures through reducing the stress concentration on the carbon fibers interface and the shear stress between two sliding surfaces. It was also indicated that the wear rates of the hybrid composites decreased with the increasing applied load and sliding distance under water lubrication. And low friction coefficient and low wear rate could be achieved at high sliding velocity.     

高阻尼铝基复合材料的研究

采用包套挤压法制备了高阻尼6061Al/SiCp/ 石墨混杂金属基复合材料,并对所制备的复合材料的金相组织、力学和阻尼特性进行了初步分析。包套挤压法制备的6061Al/SiCp/石墨混杂金属基复合中增强增阻颗粒分布均匀,其体积分数可精确控制。SiC颗粒作为增强剂能够增大复合材料的强度和刚度,而石墨粉作为增阻剂可以提高复合材料的阻尼特性。试验结果表明,能够应用包套挤压法制备力学性能和阻尼特性符合定要求的新型结构－功能材料－6061Al/SiCp/石墨混杂金属基复合材料。     

Investigations on dry sliding wear behavior of in situ casted AA7075–TiC metal matrix composites by using Taguchi technique

High strength 7075 aluminum matrix composites with 4 and 8 wt.% of TiC particulate reinforcement was synthesized by reactive in situ casting technique. X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy were used to confirm the presence of TiC particles and its uniform distribution over the aluminum matrix. The dry sliding wear behavior of the as-casted composites was investigated based on Taguchi L₂₇ orthogonal array experimental design to examine the significance of reinforcement quantity, load, sliding velocity and sliding distance on wear rate. The combination of 4 wt.% of TiC, 9.81 N load, 3 m/s sliding velocity and 1500 m sliding distance was identified as the optimum blend for minimum wear rate using the main effect plot. Load and sliding velocity were identified as the highly contributing significant parameters on the wear rate using ANOVA analysis. Further a confirmation test was also conducted with the optimum parameter combination for validation of the Taguchi results.     

Abrasive wear of FeCr (M7C3–M23C6) reinforced iron based metal matrix composites

Abstract

The effects of volume fraction, particle size, and sintered porosity of FeCr (M₇C₃–M₂₃C₆) particulates on the abrasive wear resistance of powder metallurgy (PM) Fe alloy metal matrix composites have been studied under different abrasive conditions. It was seen that the abrasive wear rate of the composites increased with an increase in the FeCr volume fraction in tests performed with 80 grade SiC abrasive paper, but it decreased for tests conducted with 220 grade SiC abrasive paper. Furthermore, the wear rates decreased with an increase in FeCr size for composites containing the same amount of FeCr. Hence it is deduced that Fe alloy composites reinforced with larger size FeCr particles are more effective against abrasive wear than those reinforced with smaller ones. At the same time the results show that the beneficial effects of hard FeCr particulates on wear resistance far outweighed the detrimental effects of sintered porosity in the PM metal matrix composites. In addition, the fabrication of composites containing soft particles such as graphite or copper favours a reduction in the coefficient of friction, and increases the matrix hardness of the composite. For this reason graphite and copper were used in the matrix in different amounts to test their effect on the wear resistance. Increase in graphite and copper volume fraction allowed the formation of additional phases, which had high hardness and wear resistance. It was also found that the wear rate of the composites decreased considerably with graphite and copper addition.     

Study on the effects of nanoparticulates of SiC,Al2O3, and ZnO on the mechanical and tribological performance of epoxy-based nanocomposites

In this research work, mechanical and tribological characteristics of ortho cresol novalac epoxy (OCNE)-based nanocomposites filled with nanoparticulates of SiC, Al₂O_3, and ZnO have been investigated. Also, in these investigations, the influence of wear parameters such as applied normal load, sliding velocity, filler contents, and sliding distance have been explored. The experimental plan for four factors at three levels using face centered composite design (CCD) has been employed by the response surface methodology (RSM) technique. The friction and wear tests were carried out using a pin on disc wear test apparatus under dry sliding conditions. The hardness and flexural strength of nano ortho cresol novalac epoxy composites filled with nano (SiC, Al₂O_3, and ZnO) particulates increases with an increase in the filler contents. Whereas, the tensile strength of these nanocomposites increases with an increase in the filler contents from 1 to 2 wt%, and with a further increase in filler contents the tensile strength decreases. The results of the study also showed that (2 wt%) filler contents bring superior mechanical and tribological properties. The lowest coefficient of friction and specific wear rate were found with nano Al₂O₃-filled composites. Also, the wear mechanisms of these nanocomposites were studied using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an EDS analyzer.     

SiC含量对混杂复合材料摩擦磨损性能的影响

研究了ＳｉＣ含量对ＳｉＣ和石墨（Ｇｒ）颗粒混杂增强铝基复合材料摩擦磨损性能的影响。Ａｌ／ＳｉＣ＋Ｇｒ的磨损率随ＳｉＣ含量升高先下降,在２０ｖｏ％时达到最低值;然后则随ＳｉＣ含量升高而升高。当载荷为２０Ｎ时,摩擦系数随ＳｉＣ含量同而升高。当载荷为６０Ｎ时,摩擦系数与ＳｉＣ含量关系不大。     

界面过渡层对SiC/Al双连续相复合材料性能的影响

研究了界面过渡层对SiC/Al双连续相复合材料性能的影响.结果表明,界面过渡层降低了复合材料中的残余应力,改善了界面的结合,提高了复合材料的压缩性能.当界面过渡层中SiC的体积分数接近50%时,复合材料的压缩强度最高,塑性最好,但弹性模量较低.界面过渡层的存在改变了复合材料的弯曲断裂机制.SiC原始泡沫增强的复合材料在断裂时,增强体SiC泡沫先断裂,基体后破坏,断裂表面凹凸不平;含界面过渡层的复合材料断裂时,过渡层的外侧界面先被撕开,内侧界面结合良好,基体与增强体同时断裂,断口平整.