Tribo-evaluation of iron based metal matrix nanocomposites for heavy duty applications

Abstract

The present paper reports dry sliding wear behavior of Iron based Metal Matrix Nanocomposites (MMNCs). Specimens were synthesized by ball milling followed by compaction and sintering in an argon atmosphere. Dry sliding wear behavior of undoped and doped Fe-Al2O3 metal matrix nanocomposite system was evaluated respectively. It was found that due to the reactive sintering between iron and alumina particles a nano iron aluminate phase (FeAl2O4) forms as a result of which the various structural and mechanical properties were found to improve. The results so obtained are critically analyzed and discussed to illustrate the interaction of various process parameters involved. It is expected that the results of the present work will be beneficial in developing quality MMNC products for heavy duty applications.