Effect of red mud and TiC on friction and wear characteristics of Al 7075 metal matrix composites

Aluminum matrix composites are preferred in various engineering fields such as automobile, marine and aerospace applications owing to their superior properties like high strength to weight ratio, and good wear resistance. The main challenge is to produce MMCs with high strength and wear resistance in a cost-effective manner by utilizing the industrial waste known as red mud is used as reinforcement. In the present study, Al7075/TiC and Al7075/red mud composite samples are fabricated separately after using liquid metallurgy route. During fabrication, the preheated (200-250 degrees C) red mud and TiC reinforcement particles are added at different levels in the ranges from 3-12 wt % in steps of 3 wt% of aluminum. Dry sliding wear and friction characteristics of the fabricated MMCs are studied on a pin on disc wear and friction monitor with and without heat treatment condition. The results have shown improvement for both the specific strength and wear resistance of the developed samples when matched with the base alloy. Further, it is also witnessed that the Al7075/TiC has shown 8 and 19 percentage of improvement in the coefficient of friction and wear rate, respectively when compared with Al7075/red mud composite.