Sliding Wear Behaviour of Aluminum Alloy (Lm-13)Reinforced with Nano-ZrO2 Matrix Composites

In the present investigation, aluminum alloy (LM 13) is dispersed with Nano-ZrO2 particles by stir casting technique followed by the hot extrusion process. Particulate size dispersed varies from 50-80 nm and the amount of addiction varies from 2 to 10wt% in steps of 2%. The wear characteristics of the developed nano metal matrix composite are analyzed by pinon-disc dry sliding wear test against hardened steel under varying loads. Nano ZrO2 particulates have an excellent load bearing capacity under applied load in sliding process, thus enhancing the wear resistance of nano metal matrix composites. The wear resistance increases as the wt. % of reinforcement content increases in the matrix material and wear resistance decreases as the applied load increases. Wear resistance is more in nano composites as compared to the LM13 matrix material