Abstract
In the present study, the wear characteristics of Al nanocomposites containing various amounts of nanosized Al2O3 (4, 8, 12 and 16 wt-%) particulates in pin on disc dry sliding tests were investigated. The results showed that the hardness and wear resistance increased with increasing Al2O3 content of the nanocomposites. The specific wear rate, as well as the wear and friction coefficients, has been evaluated from wear data to understand the roles of subsurface plastic deformation and work hardening on wear behaviour. Examination of the wear surfaces suggested that wear involves the removal of softer Al as flakes and transfer of Fe from the steel pin to the surface of the composite disc. The dominating wear mechanisms appear to be adhesion and delamination in Al–Al2O3 with lower and higher percentage of Al2O3 respectively.
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