A study on tribological characterization of Al-Cu-Mg-B composites subjected to mechanical wear

Abstract Tribological properties of a series of aluminum matrix composites reinforced with AlB ₂ particles developed for lightweight machinery parts intended for aerospace and automotive applications were evaluated. In this study, the worn surfaces of aluminum matrix composites containing copper and magnesium with different amounts of reinforcing AlB ₂ dispersoids were examined by scanning electron microscopy to determine the effects of a pin-on-disk wear test. These observations also allowed identification of the probable wear mechanisms involved upon wearing against a martensitic stainless steel ball. The effect of chemical composition on the wear volume and wear coefficient was measured to establish the relationship between the reinforcing diboride content and matrix conditions and the corresponding wear response.