Tribological Characteristics of Aluminium Hybrid Composites Reinforced with Silicon Carbide and Graphite

Abstract

This paper presents tribological characteristics of hybrid composites with aluminium matrix, reinforced with silicon carbide (SiC) and graphite (Gr). Newly formed Al/SiC/Gr hybrid composites are the combination of the two different hybrid materials. Namely, hard particles of silicon carbide increase the hardness and resistance to wear, while soft particles of graphite improve lubrication and reduce friction coefficient and wear. It is possible to obtain Al/SiC/Gr hybrid composites by different methods of casting. Tribological tests show that load, sliding speed, sliding distance, content and size of reinforcement particles influence the size and the type of wear and friction coefficient of Al/SiC/Gr hybrid composites with aluminium matrix.