Micro-structural and Tribological Behaviour of AA6063/12SiC-5Gr Hybrid Composites

In this paper the friction and wear behavior of aluminium matrix reinforced with silicon carbide and graphite is investigated. A pin on disc type apparatus is used to measure the sliding wear rate (WR), the frictional force (F) and the coefficient of friction (μ). Friction and wear behavior of the hybrid metal matrix composites (HMMC) have been investigated at various loads, sliding velocity and constant sliding distance. The applied loads are 20N, 40N, 60N and 80 N respectively, sliding speeds are 1.5 m/sec and 3 m/sec and the sliding distance is 1500 m. The aluminium based MMC has been produced by stir casting technique. AA6063 with 12SiC-5Gr composite is machined to the required size. Optical microscope is used for investigating the microstructure and surface properties of the specimen. The addition of graphite and silicon carbide reinforcement to AA 6063 alloy increases the wear resistance and hardness of the composites.