Tribological behavior, mechanical properties and microstructure of Al-12Si-ZrC composite prepared by powder metallurgy

High-energy mechanical alloying method was used to prepare A1-1.2Si-xZrC (x = 0, 5, 10, 15 wt.%) nanocomposites. Cylindrical preforms were prepared with an initial preform density of 89% by using a suitable die and punch assembly. The preforms were sintered in a muffle furnace with an inert gas atmosphere at a temperature of 550 degrees C, followed by cooling until room temperature has been attained. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques were used to characterize the composites. Pin-on-disc wear testing machine was used to determine the tribological properties of the prepared composites. The results show that the wear loss reduced with increasing the reinforcement content and coefficient of friction increases gradually.