Wear behaviour of aluminium metal matrix composites reinforced with ceramic particles

The wear behaviour of the reinforced aluminium alloy 6061(Al2O3)p, with an average particle size of 13,6 pin, is studied. The material, obtained through process Duralcan, has been hot extruded and after submitted to thermal treatment T6. Using a "Pin-on-disc" equipment with WC-6 % Co spherical pin, the resistance to the wear and the friction coefficient, in different load conditions, at room temperature under dry conditions have been evaluated. The wear rate as a distance covered has also been evaluated. The analysis of a perpendicular section to the worn surface, through scanning electronic microscopy, has permitted to know the wear associated mechanism in different tested conditions. In all cases, the main wear mechanism involved was abrasive wear.