Hybrid composites - a better choice for high wear resistant materials

This investigation, studies the dry sliding wear behavior of aluminum (Al) matrix hybrid composites reinforced with rice husk ash (RHA) and silicon carbide (SiC) particulates up to 8% (in equal proportions) fabricated by vortex method. Pin-on disk wear test was carried out for both unreinforced alloy and hybrid composites. Scanning electron microscopy is used to study the wear characteristics of the unreinforced Al alloy and the hybrid composites. The results showed that the hybrid composites exhibits higher wear resistance than the unreinforced alloy. The wear mechanisms in the unreinforced alloy and the hybrid composites are analyzed and presented. (C) 2014 Brazilian Metallurgical, Materials and Mining Association. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda.