Synthesis and evaluation of mechanical and high temperature tribological properties of in-situ Al-TiC composites

In situ Al-TiC (5, 10 and 15 wt%) composites were produced by using a reaction mixture of K2TiF6 and graphite powder with molten metal. The effect of ceramic particulate addition on the high temperature sliding wear resistance of the composites was studied. The sliding wear tests were conducted at room temperature, 120 and 200 degrees C. The wear rate increases with the increase in applied load and decreases with increase in the weight percentage of TiC. Both monolithic and composites were able to withstand thermal softening effects due to the formation of oxidative protective transfer layer. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.