Effect of sintering temperature on tribological behavior of Ce-TZP/Al2O3-aluminum nanocomposite

10Ce-TZP/Al2O3 nanoparticles as reinforcement can be a good substitute in aluminum matrix composites prepared through powder metallurgy. In this work, the effects of sintering temperature on the hardness, friction, and wear characteristics of Al-10Ce-TZP/Al2O3 composites have been investigated. Ce-TZP/Al2O3 nanocomposites were synthesized by the aqueous combustion method. About 7wt% 10Ce-TZP/Al2O3-aluminum composites in the form of cylindrical samples were prepared at the sintering temperatures of 400?, 450?, and 500? under an applied pressure of 600MPa for 60min. The experimental results show that the distribution of Ce-TZP/Al2O3 nanocomposite into the metal matrix is homogenous and that at 450? the hardness and wear resistance improved considerably. Formation of an oxide layer is a manifestation that in nanocomposites produced at 450?, worn surfaces were smoother and the total depth of deformations were not severe.