Relationship between Al2O3 Content and Wear Behavior of Al+2% Graphite Matrix Composites

In this study, the microstructure and wear behaviours of aluminium composites, reinforced with different amounts of (3-12%) Al2O3 and 2% (% vol.) graphite were investigated. The Al2O3 and graphite were added to Al matrix and mechanically alloyed for 60 minutes. Subsequently, the mechanically alloyed powders were pressed under 700MPa pressure and sintered at 600∘C for 120 minutes. The produced aluminium composites were characterized by microstructure, scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), density and hardness measurements. Afterwards, wear tests were carried out on a block on-ring type wear testing device, under three different loads and four different sliding distances. As a result, the hardness and density of composites were observed to increase due to the increase in the amount of reinforcement in aluminium composites. The highest hardness and density values were obtained in composite material containing 12% Al2O3. The wear tests, the lowest weight loss was also obtained in composite containing 12% Al2O3.