Abrasive Wear Behavior of Al-4.5 wt% Cu/(Zircon Sand plus Silicon Carbide) Hybrid Composite

Abstract

In the present investigation the abrasive wear behavior of Al-4.5 wt% Cu alloy-based hybrid composites reinforced with zircon sand and silicon carbide particles has been studied. The abrasive wear resistance of these hybrid composites has been found to be better than that of Al-4.5 wt% Cu alloy without reinforcement. It has been also found that the size and morphology of the reinforcement particles has a significant effect on the abrasive wear resistance of the hybrid composites. The worn surfaces of the hybrid composites have been studied under a scanning electron microscope and it has been found that the wear is mainly due to the ploughing of the surface by abrading silicon carbide particles.