Effect of Sliding Distance, Applied Load, and Weight Percentage of Reinforcement on the Abrasive Wear Properties of In Situ Synthesized Al–12%Si/TiC Composites

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of applied load, sliding distance, and weight percentage of reinforcement on the abrasive wear characteristics of in situ synthesised Al-12Si/TiC composites using a pin-on-disk machine. The strength, hardness, and percentage porosity were also investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was utilized to study the microstructure and wear surface behavior of the experimental materials. The results revealed that the strength and hardness increased with increasing weight percentage of reinforcement. However, the percentage porosity was relatively high in the higher weight percentage of reinforcement. The weight loss and coefficient of friction increased with increasing applied load and sliding distance. In contrast, the weight loss and coefficient of friction decreased when the weight percentage of TiC increased. Wear debris in the form of fine black powder and small grooves were noticed in the SEM micrograph of the abraded surfaces of all tested materials.

KEY WORDS:

• Abrasive Wear
• Al–Si Alloy
• In Situ
• MMCs
• TiC