Analysis of Parameters Influencing Wear and Frictional Behavior of Aluminum-Fly Ash Composites

Aluminum alloy (Al/3.25Cu/8.5Si) composites reinforced with fly ash particles of three different size ranges (5375, 75103, and 103150m) in 3, 6, 9, and 12 weight percentages were fabricated using a stir-casting technique. Pin-on-disc wear tests were conducted with 20, 30, and 40N loads and sliding speeds of 2, 3, and 4m/s for a constant time period of 10min. A mathematical model was developed to predict the wear volume and coefficient of friction of the composites. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique was applied to check the validity of the developed model. Student's t-test was utilized to determine the significance of factors. Composites reinforced with coarse fly ash particles exhibit superior wear resistance to those reinforced with fine fly ash particles. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) study of the worn surfaces of the pins was performed to confirm the results of the model.