Publication

Abstract : Composites possess excellent wear resistance in addition to other superior mechanical properties such as strength, modulus and hardness in comparison with conventional alloys. Metal matrix composites are being used widely to replace conventional materials in many applications, especially in the automobile and aircraft industries where the performance requirements are getting more and more demanding. Aluminium based composites have been considered as substitute materials for use in the fabrication of brake rotors, pistons, cylinder liners and cylinder heads. Of all the commercial aluminium alloys, 6061 is a popular choice as a matrix material to prepare metal matrix composites. Tribological characteristics of several metal matrix composites involving glass, fly ash, SiC, Al 2 O 3 as discontinuous dispersoids have been reported by many researchers. Hybrid composites are better substitutes for single reinforced composites. Few investigations have been reported on the wear behavior of hybrid composites containing SiC and graphite particles as the reinforcements. In the light of the above, the present work deals with the investigation of wear resistance measured in terms of weight loss of the aluminium matrix composites reinforced with SiC and graphite particles based on the design of experiments (DOE) techniques. The metal matrix composites were fabricated by stir casting process. Rockwell hardness measurements were made using the 'B' scale. Wear studies have been conducted using a pin-on-disc type wear test rig.