Examine the Optical and Dry Sliding Wear Characteristics of Aluminum Metal Matrix Composites Reinforced With Ilmenite/GR/SN

Abstract

The composite was created by adding a lubricating agent (tin, graphite, or both) and 10% of ilmenite (particle size range of 20–120 µm). To manufacture this composite material, stir casting—a low-cost method was used. Furthermore, three weight percent of solid lubricants (tin, graphite, or both) were added in order to study their effects on solid lubrication. Ilmenite particles were uniformly dispersed throughout the Al-matrix during optical microscope examination. The refinement of primary silicon when ilmenite reinforcement was added. Comparing the composite samples to the base alloy, LM30, wear analysis showed that the addition of ilmenite increased the samples resistance to wear. The results of the investigation showed that the use of solid lubricants in aluminum metal composites reduced material losses by 21% to 41%. According to wear testing, the use of two solid lubricants demonstrated even greater wear resistance, ranging from 46% to 56%.