Tribology and surface topography of tri-aluminide reinforced composites

• Al-rich grains are refined on incorporation of Al3Zr particles.
• In situ Al3ZrAl-2.26%Mg.
• Low wear of Al3Zr/Al-2.26% Mg composites indicate brake material.

Al-2.26% Mg alloy reinforced with Al3Zr particles was synthesised by Direct Melt Reaction in situ technique. Wear rate, wear rate/vol% Al3Zr (normalised with respect to amount of Al3Zr), normalised wear, and wear coefficient have been evaluated. At different combinations of normal load and sliding velocity two modes of wear i.e. mild/oxidative and severe/oxidative-metallic modes are observed. With increase in the amount of high hardness Al3Zr particles, composites can be used even at higher load and sliding velocity while still being in mild wear regime. Coefficient of friction (COF) has fluctuating tendency with sliding distance. COF shows a decreasing trend with load, whereas, with sliding velocity and composition trend is reversed. Low wear and high COF indicates its suitability in brake materials.