Determination of wear resistance, frictional power loss, and thermal conductivity of aluminium metal composites
Abstract
This study addresses the need for lightweight, wear-resistant aluminium alloys in the automotive industry to combat climate change. Here, aluminum composites reinforced with various combinations of silicon carbide (SiC) and aluminum oxide (Al2O3) were fabricated from recycled aluminum cans using stir-casting. Wear resistance, thermal conductivity, and frictional power loss were evaluated. The serial tests of frictional power loss, thermal conductivity, and wear resistance results on PA, CS, 4% SiC-2%AO, 4% SiC-4%AO, 4% SiC-6%AO, 4% SiC-10%AO, and 6% RHA/4% PSA samples are the following: 1000, 1000, 850, 750, 550, 450, and 550 watts; 270, 260, 220, 200, 180, 125, 185, and W/m-K; and 0.24, 0.18, 0.3, 0.23, 0.12, 0.06, and 0.24 mg, respectively. The 4%SiC/10%Al2O3 composite demonstrated superior wear resistance against plastic deformation, minimal frictional power loss, and the highest thermal conductivity among the tested samples. This improvement is attributed to a wear-reacted layer formed during testing. Interestingly, the 4%RHA/6%PSA composite, utilizing alternative reinforcements, offered comparable thermal conductivity to other SiC/Al2O3 combinations, suggesting potential for further exploration. This research promotes the use of recycled materials while achieving the desired properties for sustainable automotive applications
