Sliding wear behavior of Al–Li–SiCp composites

Dry sliding wear behavior of 8090Al alloy and its composites reinforced with 8, 12 and 18 vol% SiC particles was studied in as-extruded and peak-aged conditions using a pin-on-disc machine. Tests were done at room temperature in air under loads of 10, 20 and 50 N at a constant sliding speed of 1 m s−1. The unreinforced alloy and composites show mild wear upto 20 N. Transition from mild to severe wear takes place beyond 20 N. Composites exhibit better wear resistance compared to the unreinforced alloy in as-extruded condition. Effect of heat treatment (artificial ageing) on wear behavior has also been studied. The unreinforced alloy exhibits better wear resistance at all the three loads used here in peak-aged condition compared to the as-extruded condition. Composites on the other hand, show better wear resistance upto 20 N, however, they show lower wear resistance in peak-aged condition compared to as-extruded condition beyond 20 N. This can be attributed to higher surface and subsurface deformation in peak-aged condition at higher load.