Functional grade composites Cu–10Sn–5Ni reinforced with 10 wt%SiC and 10 wt%Al2O3, respectively, and their alloy was developed through horizontal centrifuge cast technique.
Sample composites and alloy were cast at cylindrical dimensions of Φout100 × Φin70 × 100 mm.
They were later subjected to tribology analysis during non-lubricated sliding. Anti-wear performance variations at inner (0–8 mm) and outer (8–15 mm) wall thicknesses of both composites and alloy were experimented using pin-on-disc tribo-tester.
Experimentation with increasingly varied parameters like load and slid distance showed a rising trend of wear and friction.
This was observed while comparing between the least (10 N, 500 m) and highest (60 N, 3000 m) varied parameter; for both alloy and composites.
Also, a proportional decline in coefficient of friction with increase in slid velocity was exhibited for both composites; whereas alloy showed a linear rise.
Worn specimen analysis using scanning electron microscopy on both composites revealed Mechanically Mixed Layer formation at both zones.
This caused reduction in friction coefficient at high velocity (6 m/s).