Microstructure and Wear Behaviour of Matrix Al7075 Reinforced with Micro Wc-Co Particulate Composite Processed by Stir Casting Method

Abstract

The present work dry sliding wear behaviour of Al7075 alloy matrix composite reinforced with 9Wt. % of WC-Co particulates is examined after prepared by stir casting. The dry sliding wear behaviour was studied for the composites with parameters of varying sliding speed, load and sliding distance. Microstructure characterization is done using SEM/EDX studies for the composite samples. From microstructural characterization even distribution of WC-Co particulates is observed in Al7075 matrix. DUCOM wear testing machine with EN32 steel disc is used to evaluate the wear rate of the composite. Worn out surface of the composite is subjected to SEM analysis to observe the layer formations. From the results of wear studies it is observed that the composite wear rate is reduced by restricting dislocation between the matrix and reinforcement interface.