Sliding wear behaviour of calcium containing AZ31B/Al2O3 nanocomposites

In the present study, the dry sliding wear characteristics of AZ31B/Al2O3 and AZ31B/Al2O3-(1–3) wt % Ca nanocomposite were investigated under different tribological conditions. Experiments were conducted using a pin-on-disc configuration against a hardened tool steel counterface over a range of sliding velocities of 1–10 m/s under a constant load of 10 N. The wear resistance of AZ31B improved due to the presence of Al2O3 as reinforcement and calcium (Ca), as alloying element and Al2O3 as reinforcement under both low and high sliding speeds. The better wear resistance of the nanocomposites was attributed to the improved hardness and strength due to the presence of calcium and nano alumina particulates in the matrix. Field emission scanning electron microscopy revealed abrasion and adhesion to be the dominant wear mechanism with transition to thermal softening only under highest sliding speed.