Dry Friction and Wear Properties of Aluminum Matrix Composites Reinforced with 3D Network Ceramics

A new 3D network ceramics (skeleton) reinforced aluminum alloy composites was designed and fabricated. Dry friction and wear behaviors of the new composites were investigated. The friction coefficients and wear rates of the matrix and the composites were measured at various temperatures and loads. The worn surfaces of the samples were examined with a scanning electron microscope, and the effect of the 3D network ceramics on the wear mechanisms was discussed accordingly. The composites had much better wear resistance than the matrix. The improvement in the wear resistance of the composites became more prominent at higher ceramics volume fraction, higher temperature, and larger normal load. Moreover, the friction coefficients of the composites remained stable with increasing normal load, especially at elevated temperature. It is suggested that the 3D network ceramics support the load applied onto the sliding surface, which not only restricts the plastic deformation and high temperature softening of the alloy, but also protects the oxide film(Al2O3) on the surface.