Experimental investigation and modelling on dry sliding wear behaviour of Al-zircon metal matrix composites

The present paper presents the influence of wear parameters on wear behaviour of Al-LM25-zircon metal matrix composites. The composite has been fabricated by novel stir casting process and heat treated. The wear behaviour of composites against EN32 steel was studied using pin on disc type wear test rig. The mathematical model to predict the wear rate of Al-zircon composites has been expressed in terms of reinforcement volume fraction, particle size, applied load, sliding speed and sliding distance using five factors, five level central composite design matrix approach by response surface method. The morphology and topography of worn out surface wear were studied using a scanning electron microscope. The effect of wear parameters on wear rate of composites was analysed by statistical method.