Investigation of wear and friction characteristic of Al/(Si 3 N 4 ) np nano composites under as-cast and heat-treated conditions

Several automotive components, such as clutch plate, piston and cylinder liner, etc., require excellent wear characteristics. The current study focused on fabricating nano Si₃N₄ reinforced Al alloy composites through a stir casting route with ultrasonic assistance, then performing T-6 heat treatment to alter their properties. Dry sliding wear tests were performed to investigate the frictional and wear characteristics at various applied loads and sliding distances. Results reveal that the coarse grain of α-Al was significantly refined after incorporating nano Si₃N₄ particles in it, and their structure was transformed from coarse columnar to rosette-like dendrites. The hardness and wear resistance increase with nano Si₃N₄ addition and T-6 heat treatment. The formation of SiO₂ and Fe₂O₃ layers at the interacting interface significantly reduces the coefficient of friction of nanocomposites. The volumetric loss increased with load (15 N to 45 N) and sliding distance (500 m to 3000 m) for cast and heat-treated samples. The maximum volumetric loss was found in the case of as-cast alloy and the minimum for heat-treated Al/2wt.% Si₃N₄ nanocomposites. The SEM investigation of worn surfaces shows that the adhesive mechanism is more dominant in alloys, whereas the abrasive wear mechanism was associated with nanocomposites.