Microstructure and high temperature wear of the aluminum matrix composites fabricated by reaction from Al-ZrO2-B elemental powders

► The microstructure and wear mechanism of composites depended on B/ZrO2 molar ratio. ► The subsurface deformation zone increased with decreasing amount of Al3Zr blocks. ► The value and range of friction coefficient were affected by B/ZrO2 molar ratio. ► The turning point of sliding velocity affecting on wear rate was 0.6m/s at 373 K. ► The wear rate decreased constantly with the increase of sliding velocity at 473 K.