Dry Sliding Wear Behavior of TiB2 Embedded Functionally Graded Aluminum Composite Processed by Centrifugal Casting Technique

Abstract

The present studies consider the effect of the addition of TiB2 on the tribological behaviour of functionally graded material (FGM) with pure aluminum matrix processed by centrifugal casting technique. The molding speed of centrifugal casting and its consecutive effect on the wear and friction behaviour against the rotating disc of EN 31 is studied. The composites were prepared at 1000, 1100, and 1200 rpm in a graphite-coated muld of mild steel. The pin-on-disc tribometer is used for wear test in dry conditions at 160 rpm disc speed, with a 50 N normal load applied to the sample pin for 10 min. The correlation of wear mechanism and wear rate with the distribution of TiB2 particles inside the matrix has been studied in comparison to the microstructure. The fabrication process of the FGM composite Al-TiB2 and then further characterization exposed the various advantages and studies of the hidden complexity behind the simple stir casting process. A gradient in the distribution of TiB2 particles with varying mould speed (rpm) across the casting wall thickness is utilized to enhance the aluminum metal matrix composite tribological behaviour. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024.