Effect of volume fraction of carbon fibers on wear behavior of Al/Al2O3/C hybrid metal matrix composites

Wear behavior of Al/Al₂O₃/C hybrid metal matrix composites fabricated by squeeze casting method was characterized. The effects of volume fraction of carbon fiber on wear behavior of hybrid composites was investigated. Wear behavior of Al/Al₂O₃/C composites was characterized by the dry spindle wear test under various sliding speeds.

The wear resistance of Al/Al₂O₃/C composites was remarkably improved over Al/Al₂O₃ composites by adding carbon fibers to Al/Al₂O₃/C composites. Specifically, at the intermediate sliding speed the wear resistance of Al/Al₂O₃/C composites containing 8 vol.% carbon fiber was found to be better than that of the rest of the carbon hybrid composites. From fractographic studies, damaged sections in wear surfaces of hybrid composites at intermediate sliding speed were not observed due to the formation of solid lubrication film. The solid lubrication film which was formed as a result of adding carbon fibers improved the wear resistance of carbon hybrid composites because this film reduced the high friction force between MMCs and counter material.