Evaluation of Erosive Wear Rate of Al2O3-Cu Composite

This paper presents the analysis of erosive wear rate of Al 2 O 3 -Cu composite with 0, 1, 3, 5 and 7 wt% loading of Al 2 O 3 particles. Composite samples were fabricated through cost effective powder processing technique. The surface morphology of the composites was analysed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and composition was examined by Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX). The density analysis show that the mass density increases with increase in wt% of Al 2 O 3 particles up to 5 wt% and then decreases from 5 wt% to 7 wt% o. The decrease in mass density of composite at 7 wt% of Al 2 O 3 particles may be due to agglomeration of Al 2 O 3 particles. Hardness results show that the addition of Al 2 O 3 particles, the hardness value increases up to an optimum level of wt% of Al 2 O 3 . The analysis of erosive wear shows that the erosive wear rate decreases with increasing wt% of Al 2 O 3 from 0 wt% to 5 wt% of Al 2 O 3 particles and then increases to 7 wt%. The erosive wear rate of the Al 2 O 3 -Cu composite depend on optimum level addition of Al 2 O 3 , sintered mass density, hardness value and distribution of Al 2 O 3 particle in the composite.