MICRO SCRATCH TEST CHARACTERISATION OF ZA-27/SiC NANOCOMPOSITES

Abstract

In this study tribological properties of obtained nanocomposites were investigated using micro scratch tester. Tested nanocomposites were developed on well-known tribological ZA-27 alloy using compocasting technique. SiC nanoparticles (average size 50nm) in different volume fraction were used as reinforcement. Main scratch test results were coefficient of friction, penetration and residual depth. Obtained results for nanocomposites were compared to the obtained results for base ZA-27 alloy. Scratch test results and SEM revealed existence of structural irregularities such as porosity (trapped gas bubbles in material structure) and agglomerated nanoparticles. Existence of structural irregularities mainly diminishes positive effects that are expected from addition of hard nanoparticles.