Effect of volume fraction of carbon fibers on wear behavior of Al/Al2O3/C hybrid metal matrix composites

Abstract

Wear behavior of Al/Al2O3/C hybrid metal matrix composites fabricated by squeeze casting method was characterized. The effects of volume fraction of carbon fiber on wear behavior of hybrid composites was investigated. Wear behavior of Al/Al2O3/C composites was characterized by the dry spindle wear test under various sliding speeds. The wear resistance of Al/Al2O3/C composites was remarkably improved over Al/Al2O3 composites by adding carbon fibers to Al/Al2O3/C composites. Specifically, at the intermediate sliding speed the wear resistance of Al/Al2O3 composites containing 8 vol.% carbon fiber was found to be better than that of the rest of the carbon hybrid composites. From fractographic studies, damaged sections in wear surfaces of hybrid composites at intermediate sliding speed were not observed due to the formation of solid lubrication film. The solid lubrication film which was formed as a result of adding carbon fibers improved the wear resistance of carbon hybrid composites because this film reduced the high friction force between MMCs and counter material. © 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.