A study of microstructure and tribological behaviour of Al-4.5% Cu/Al3Ti composites

Al-4.5% Cu/Al3Ti composites with the varying amount of in-situ Al3Ti were prepared in an induction furnace. The prepared in-situ composites were subjected to mechanical stirring at 700 °C. The composites after stirring have been defined as melt processed composites. Wear tests have been performed to study the influence of Al3Ti on the sliding wear behavior of in-situ and melt processed composites. The effect of ageing on the wear behavior of both in-situ and melt processed composites has been studied. Wear has been simulated in two different conditions, namely mild and severe. It has been found that the wear resistance of the composites improves with the increase in amount of Al3Ti as well as with ageing. It has been observed that mainly oxidative and abrasive wear coexist in severe condition, whereas a combination of oxidative, abrasive and adhesive wear exists in mild condition.