Effect of SiC nanoparticles on the wear behaviour of squeeze-cast AZ91–2.0Ca–0.3Sb alloy

Abstract

The dry sliding wear behaviour of the AZ91–2.0Ca–0.3Sb alloy and the AZ91–2.0Ca–0.3Sb–xSiCnp nanocomposites have been investigated. The wear rate is lower for all the nanocomposites compared to the alloy. All the nanocomposites demonstrate the lower specific wear rates than the alloy. Among the nanocomposites, the one containing 2.0SiCnp exhibits the best tribological performance. The values of the coefficient of friction are lower for the nanocomposites than the alloy. The abrasion, adhesion, oxidation, and delamination are the dominant wear mechanisms. The 3D topography depicts that the addition of SiCnp to the AZ91–2Ca–0.3Sb alloy results in the reduced surface roughness during the wear tests, confirming the superior wear behaviour of the nanocomposites compared to the alloy. © 2019, © 2019 Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.