Frictional characteristics of nano-embedded aluminium alloys

We report the friction and wear behaviour of nano embedded aluminium alloys consisting of nanosized lead dispersoids in aluminium matrix. These alloys are synthesized by rapid solidification processing technique. Sliding wear tests have been conducted on both the as cast and melt spun ribbons using pin on disc set up. Normal loads used range from 0.5 kgf to 4.0 kgf. Characterization of melt spun alloys and worn pin surface is done by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Our results on friction studies suggest a significant reduction in the coefficient of friction values for all alloys tested in air. The frictional properties are better than as cast alloys of similar composition prepared by stir casting as well as magnetohydrodynamic technique where the dispersions are of micron size. We attempt explaining our results on friction and wear using the available theoretical understanding and the knowledge of the microstructure of these alloy