Wear Characterization of Mica-Loaded Al-Cu Dual Matrix Particulate Composites

Abstract

In recent years, aluminum alloy-and copper alloy-based metal matrix composites are gaining importance in automobile and aerospace industries. Various reinforcements in particulate form can be used in aluminum alloy- and copper alloy-based metal matrix composites, one of which is mica. Mica has a layered or platy texture due to which it acts as a self-lubricating material. The objective of this investigation is to assess the influence of mica reinforcement on the tribological behavior of aluminum-copper (Al-Cu) dual matrix composites when quenched in different media. The results revealed that the compressive strength of mica-filled aluminum-copper (Al-Cu) dual matrix composites decreases as the percentage of mica increases up to 8% in all media. Compressive strength, Vickers hardness, and wear resistance of normalized and water-quenched specimens were greater than that of oil-quenched and non-heat-treated specimens. The worn surfaces of the samples were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). © 2016 Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers.