Differences in Dry Sliding Wear Behavior between Al–12Si–CuNiMg Alloy and Its Composite Reinforced with Al(2)O(3) Fibers

The dry sliding wear behavior of the Al-12Si-CuNiMg matrix alloy and its composite reinforced with Al(2)O(3) fibers was investigated using a pin-on-disk wear-testing machine. The volume fraction of Al(2)O(3) fibers in the composite was 17 vol.%. Wear tests are conducted under normal loads of 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 N, and sliding velocities of 0.25, 0.50, and 1.0 m/s. Furthermore, the worn surfaces of the matrix alloy and the composite were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The results showed that the wear resistance of the composite was inferior to that of the matrix alloy, which could be attributed to the high content of reinforcement and casting porosities in the composite. Worn-surface analysis indicates that the dominant wear mechanisms of both materials were abrasive wear and adhesive wear under the present testing conditions.