Effect of TiO2–SiC and Heat Treatment on Tribological Characteristics of Bimodal Hybrid Aluminum Composites Under Dry Sliding Condition

Abstract

The dry sliding wear behavior of bimodal TiO2np/SiCp/Al6082 composites was studied using a pin-on-disk tribometer. The investigation included both as-cast alloy and T6 heat-treated composites, with variations in applied load (40 N, 60 N, and 80 N) and sliding distance (600, 900, 1200, 1500, 1800, and 2100 m) at a constant sliding speed of 2 m/s. The microstructure of the composites and the worn surface were examined using a scanning electron microscope. A linear increase in wear-rate was observed with sliding distance up to the transition limit. It was found that at 40 N, a shield began to develop between the disc and pin surface, reducing the coefficient of friction (COF), and friction and oxide were the primary processes of wear mechanisms. A larger load caused the protective layer to be destroyed; increasing COF, and adhesion and delamination were the two types of wear that were noticed. The wear resistance of alloys and bimodal composites was increased by heat treatment because it strengthened the matrix.