Wear and friction behavior of Al6061 alloy reinforced with carbon nanotubes

► Wear and friction behavior of Al6061 alloy and Al6061+1 wt% CNT nanocomposite was investigated. ► Under mild conditions, the composite displayed lower wear rate and friction coefficient. ► Under severe conditions, the composite displayed higher wear rate and friction coefficient. ► At higher loads, adhesion and delamination were dominant in the alloy and composite respectively. ► Beyond a critical load, CNTs could have a negative impact on wear resistance of the alloy.