Synthesis and characterisation of hot extruded aluminium-based MMC developed by powder metallurgy route

Abstract

Background: Improvement of the mechanical and tribological properties due to extrusion can be attributed to the improved density and excellent bond strength due to high compressive stress. Methods: To avoid the product defects mathematically contoured cosine profiled die was used for the thermomechanical treatment. Improvement of mechanical characterization like density, hardness, compression test and three-point-bend test was inquired. Two body dry sliding wear behaviour of the prepared AMCs before and after extrusion were investigated by using a pin-on-disc wear testing method by varying the variable parameters like load (N), track diameter (mm) and RPM of the counter disc. Results: The effect of hot extrusion on mechanical and tribological characteristics of aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) developed by powder metallurgy route followed by double axial cold compaction and controlled atmospheric sintering was studied. Conclusion: Shearing of the fine distributed graphite particles at the tribosurface acts as a solid lubricant and decreases wear rate. At higher loading and sliding velocity condition a mixed type of wear mechanism was observed.