Tribological Behavior of Al Matrix Composites Reinforced by Hybrid Cu and SiC under SN500 + G Lubricant

Al matrix composites reinforced with hybrid SiC and Cu reinforcement were prepared by powder metallurgy and sintering. The presence of Cu in the composite microstructure has caused the formation of a three-dimensional network of metallic reinforcing phase. Wear tests were performed (50 and 100 N, 1 mm/s, 1000 m) as dry wear and lubricated wear under SN500 base oil containing graphite particles. The friction results showed that the COF under lubricant compared to the dry wear test was decreased by -80 %. With increasing SiC/Cu content the wear rate was decreased up to 30 %. The SEM observation of the lubricated worn surfaces showed that adhesive wear was the dominant wear mechanism, which significantly decreased with the tribofilm formation.