Micro/nanoscale structural, mechanical and tribological characterization of ZA-27/SiC nanocomposites

Abstract

The structural, mechanical and tribological properties of ZA-27/SiC nanocomposites were investigated at micro/nanoscale. The nanocomposites with different volume fractions of nano-sized SiC particles were produced using the compocasting technique. The microstructure of nanocomposites was characterized with formation of SiC nano agglomerates, which were relatively uniformly distributed. The increase in SiC content contributed to the uniformity of their distribution. Also, the phenomenon of particle segregation in the form of particle-rich clusters, as well as particle-porosity clusters, was identified. The density level of composites decreased with the increase of the SiC content. The porosity followed a reverse trend. The tendency for formation of local particle-porosity clusters was the highest in ZA-27/1% SiC nanocomposite, causing the highest level of porosity. Increasing percentage of SiC content was followed by the increase in micro/nanohardness of the composites. The results of micro/nanoscale tribotests revealed that the reinforcing with SiC nanoparticles significantly improved wear and friction behavior of ZA-27 matrix alloy. The rate of improvement increased with the increase of SiC nanoparticle content, load, and sliding speed. The highest degree of changes corresponded to the change of the SiC nanoparticle content from 0 to 1 wt%. The further decrease of wear with SiC content (from 1 to 5 wt%) was almost linear. The different tribological behavior of tested ZA-27 matrix and ZA-27/SiC nanocomposites was influenced by differences of intensity of adhesion resulted in transferred layers of matrix material onto worn surfaces of Al2O3 ball counterpart. The intensity of adhesion significantly decreased with the increase of SiC nanoparticle content.

Tribological characterisation of magnesium matrix nanocomposites: A review

“…Available literatures on nano-tribology of Mg–MNCs are summarized in Table 11. Babic et al 92 investigated mechanical and nano-tribological behaviour of ZA27–SiC having varying volume fraction (1, 3 and 5 vol.%, size 50 nm) developed through compo casting procedure. Tribological behaviour was examined using ball-on-block type nano-tribometer where alumina ball was employed as counterpart.…”

Characterization of mechanical and tribological properties of graphite and alumina reinforced zinc alloy (ZA-27) hybrid metal matrix composites

“…The above discussed studies show that hybrid reinforcements in ZA-27 alloy improve both mechanical and tribological properties. 30 In the present study ZA alloy-based hybrid metal matrix composites reinforced with graphite and Al 2 O 3 particulates fabricated with stir casting technique have been studied. Further, microstructure, density, hardness, impact strength, compressive strength was investigated.…”

Effect of Fiber Orientation on the Tribological Performance of Abaca-Reinforced Epoxy Composite under Dry Contact Conditions

“…Analysis of the wear tracks of all tested samples, all fiber orientations and abaca contents by optical microscopy has not proven sufficient to adequately perceive the characteristic appearance of wear mechanisms, as is the case with metallic materials [29].…”