Effect of Severe Plastic Deformation on Wear Properties of Aluminum Matrix Composites

The influence of severe plastic deformation on wear properties of Al-5wt.%Grp and Al-5wt.%B₄Cp reinforced aluminum matrix composites was studied. Al matrix composites were produced by solid state processing via powder metallurgy route that provides good incorporation and distribution of the reinforcement particles in the matrix. Wear tests were performed by dry sliding using a pin on disk wear tester. Scanning electron microscope was used to examine worn surfaces to study the wear mechanism. Severely deformed specimens exhibited better wear resistance due to the increase of surface hardness of both Al-5wt.%Grp and Al-5wt.%B₄Cp composites. Al-B₄Cp reinforced composite has higher hardness value through the excellent hardness of B₄C particulates. Al-Grp reinforced composites exhibited better wear resistance due to the solid lubricant effect of Gr particulates.