Effect of heat treatment on the tribological properties of Al-Cu-Mg/nanoSiC composites

► We investigate the wear behaviour of Al-Cu-Mg/nanoSiC composites against two different counterfaces. ► Nanoreinforcements enhance the ageing response. ► Steel counterface causes abrasive wear. ► Al2O3 counterface causes adhesive wear. ► Best combination is selected as 6 h ageing at 225 °C.