Investigation on Mechanical Properties and Wear Behaviour of Squeeze Cast LM13 Aluminium Alloy Reinforced with Copper Coated Steel Wires

Copper coated steel wires (1-5 numbers) reinforced in LM13 aluminium alloy composites have been prepared using squeeze casting process. Microstructure of composites has been investigated and mechanical properties viz., hardness, tensile strength and ductility have been examined and reported. Dry sliding wear behaviour of composites has been investigated by varying sliding distance and load. Fracture surface of broken tensile specimens and worn surface of wear samples have been investigated using field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The results reveal that copper coated steel wires reinforcement in LM13 aluminium alloy improves the mechanical properties and wear resistance. Average hardness values of 136 BHN and 96 BHN have been observed in steel wire and at the interface of steel wire and aluminium alloy, respectively. Tensile strength of composites increased up to 28% by reinforcing three copper coated steel wires in LM13 aluminium alloy. Dry sliding wear test results reveal that weight loss, wear rate and coefficient of friction decreased with increasing number of copper coated steel wires reinforcement in LM13 matrix. However, weight loss of samples increased with increasing sliding distance and load. LM13 aluminium alloy reinforced with five numbers of copper coated steel wires decreased the weight loss up to 69% as compared to LM13 aluminium alloy tested at 40 N load and a sliding distance of 2500 m. Fracture surface of composites shows broken steel wires and dimples are observed in LM13 matrix. Worn surface of composites shows fine and shallow grooves; whereas delamination is observed in LM13 aluminium alloy. In general, copper coated steel wire reinforcement in LM13 aluminium alloy exhibited better mechanical properties and wear resistance compared to matrix.