Tribological Properties of MWCNTs Strengthened Aluminum Composite Fabricated by Induction Melting

Abstract:

Aluminum-Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (Al-CNTs) composite was fabricated using air induction melting technique. The nanotubes were dispersed in molten aluminum using innate string action of induction heating at 760 °C. A heavy fluxing condition was used to avoid oxidation of the nanotubes and molten aluminum. The nanotubes were satisfactorily dispersed in the matrix as observed during metallographic examination using scanning electron microscope.
 
  The tribological properties (i.e. coefficient of friction and wear rate) of the Al-CNTs composite were investigated using ball-on-disk machine under dry wear condition at 2 cm/sec speed and 3N load. It was observed that both of the tribological parameters exhibited decreasing trends with increasing contents of the nanotubes, which was due to the self lubricating and structural features of the nanotubes. Improved tribology of the composite was the attribute of appreciable dispersion of the nanotubes in the matrix besides their exceptional mechanical properties and reinforcement.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volume 1101)
• Pages: 62-65
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.1101.62
• Online since: April 2015
• Authors: Muhammad Mansoor, Muhammad Shahid
• Keywords: Al-CNT Composite, Coefficient of Friction, Induction Melting, Wear Rate

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