Effect of dual particle size (DPS) on dry sliding wear behaviour of LM30/sillimanite composites

The effect of dual particle size (DPS) reinforcement (fine:coarse in weight ratios of 1:3, 1:1, and 3:1) on wear behaviour of LM30/sillimanite composites is reported. Optical micrographs revealed uniform distribution of particles in the matrix. Al2Si4O10 phase was observed using XRD owing to the interfacial reactions of particle with matrix. Further, high nanohardness values of interface revealed sound particle-matrix bonding. The wear resistance of 15 wt.% DPS composites with weight ratio 3:1 improved by 59% over base alloy. In-addition, the results were comparable with the mathematical model and with cast iron used in brake drum applications. SEM-EDS analysis revealed that at low contact pressure, abrasive/adhesive wear mechanism was dominant, whereas at higher contact pressure delamination wear was dominant.