Wear characteristics of Al-Al2O3 composites produced by powder metallurgy process

Wear characteristics of Al-base composites containing 5 to 20 vol % Al2O3 h ave been investigated and compared with those of commercial purity aluminiu m used a matrix phase and a commercial 7010 grade A-alloy. All the material s have been synthesized by powder metallurgy method using hot compaction an d hot extrusion processes and wear testing has been carried out in dry slid ing condition using a pin-on-disc type machine. The wear rate of composites is observed to be lower than that of the aluminium compacts but higher tha n the commercial grade alloy. An increase Al2O3 led to decrease in wear rat e of composites, under the applied load of 5 to 35 N and sliding velocity f rom 0.25 to 1.5 ms(-1). The possible reasons for this behaviour are discuss ed in light of the microstructure of the alloy and nature of the worn surfa ces of the specimens.