Dry sliding wear characteristics of aluminium metal matrix composites: a brief overview

Aluminium composites with reinforcements in the form of whiskers, particulates or continuous/discontinuous fibres are referred to as aluminium metal matrix composites (Al MMCs). These form of composites can be engineered to effectively provide tailored property combinations such as high strength to weight ratio, specific strength, specific stiffness, creep resistance and low density compared to conventional engineering materials. Al MMCs have become choice materials in applications such as aerospace, construction, marine and automotive. In some of these applications, dry sliding wear predominantly occurs. In this paper, attempt has been made to give a concise overview on how factors such as applied load, reinforcement particles, sliding distance and sliding speed affect the wear characteristics of different Al MMCs and reasons behind the wear patterns that are observed on the composite surfaces. A brief highlight of various wear types in relation to different reinforcement types, loading, speed and wear conditions have also been presented.