Dry sliding wear maps for AA7010 (Al–Zn–Mg–Cu) aluminium matrix composite

Wear mechanism map for aluminium matrix composite helps in predicting and understanding different wear mechanisms in a material. It also identifies the critical load and sliding speed for transition of one wear mechanism to other. In the present investigation, the wear coefficient is in the range of 10−4–10−5 which is at the boundary region between mild to severe wear. It is also observed from that there are four wear regimes; they are ultra mild wear, mild wear or oxidative wear, delamination wear and severe wear. All these facts are discussed on the basis of prevailing wear mechanism. ► Wear maps are constructed on the basis of wear rates and temperature rise. ► The wear map of composite is subdivided in to Sthree zones. ► The transition load and speed is increased due to addition of SiC particles. ► Reliability of sliding wear test procedure was examined by comparing the measured data. ► The measured values are in good agreement with the theoretically calculated values.