Effect of TiB₂ particles on sliding wear behaviour of Al–4Cu alloy

Abstract

Dry sliding wear of Al–4Cu–xTiB₂ (x = 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 wt.%) in situ composites have been studied in the peak-aged condition using a pin-on-disc wear testing machine at different loads. The composites were prepared by the reaction of a mixture of K₂TiF₆ and KBF₄ salts with molten alloy. The results indicate that TiB₂ particles markedly improve the wear performance of the Al–4Cu alloy. The wear resistance increases with increase in the amount of TiB₂. The load bearing capacity of the alloy during wear increases in presence of TiB₂ particles. Study of the wear surfaces and debris of both alloy and composites using the scanning electron microscope suggests that the improvement in wear resistance is mainly due to the formation of finer debris.