Wear performance of Al-TiC composite at elevated temperature

Purpose Aluminium matrix composites are subjected to wear as well as higher temperature applications such as pistons, cylinder heads and blocks for car engines. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the performance of aluminium metal matrix composite at elevated temperature. Design/methodology/approach In the present work wear performance of Al-TiC composite with 7.5% reinforcement of TiC powder is carried out at elevated temperature. The composite specimens are prepared with the help of centrifugal casting method to get the large segregation of reinforcement on the outer layer of the composite which is subjected to wear. Taguchi method is used for preparing design of experiments. Findings The wear test is performed on DUCOM pin on disc setup having the heating chamber facility. The results of wear test are analysed with the help of MINITAB 19 software. The results show that temperature has dominant effect on the wear rate. The mathematical model through regression is predicted for wear rate and coefficient of friction. The study of worn-out surface is performed with the help of scanning electron microscope. The micrographs show that the type of wear is changes from abrasive to severe wear and some delamination. Originality/value The experiments are conducted as per ASTM standards. The results give the mathematical equation for wear rate and coefficient of friction at elevated temperatures.