Effect of heat treatment on the sliding wear behaviour of aluminium alloy (Al–Zn–Mg) hard particle composite

Effect of heat treatment on the sliding wear behaviour of aluminium alloy hard particle composite was studied under varying applied load and sliding speed, giving emphasis on the parameters such as wear rate, temperature rise, coefficient of friction and seizure pressure. Hardness is improved due to heat treatment irrespective of the material. Maximum hardness is noted when the materials are aged for 6 h. These facts have been discussed on the basis of nature of worn surface produced after wear. In the present investigation, aging time has been varied from 4 to 10 h at a regular increment of 2 h.