Effect of SiC content and sliding speed on the wear behaviour of aluminium matrix composites

In the present study effect of SiC content and sliding speed on the wear behaviour of aluminium alloy and composite was studied using pin-on-disc apparatus against EN32 steel counterface. These tests were conducted at varying SiC particles in 10, 15 and 25 wt.% and sliding speeds of 0.52, 1.72, 3.35, 4.18 and 5.23 m/s for a constant sliding distance of 5000 m. The results revealed that as the SiC content increases the wear rate and temperature decreases, but reverse trend can be observed for coefficient of friction. All these facts can be discussed on the basis of prevailing wear mechanism. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.