Microstructure and wear behavior of Al-Al2O3 in situ composites fabricated by the reaction of V2O5 particles in pure aluminum

Abstract

In this study, fabrication of Al based in situ composites and their formation mechanism is investigated through the stir casting approach. In situ composites were prepared with the addition of various amounts of V2O5 particles in pure aluminum. Due to the reaction of vanadium pentoxide with the molten aluminum, Al2O3 (alumina) is formed. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and microscopy were used for the examination of the produced in situ composites. Increment in hardness was observed in cast in situ composites as compared to the pure aluminum. Friction and wear behaviors of cast in situ composites were studied by using a pin on disc tribo tester. The investigation showed that the wear loss and coefficient of friction increases with the load. The result indicates that wear rate increases with higher percentage of addition. The different phases formed are shown by the XRD study and the presence of Al3V and alumina in the composite enhanced the properties.