Wear behaviour of graphitic aluminium composite sliding under dry conditions

A modified mixing and casting procedure was used for the preparation of Al-1.2 Si-0.8 Fe-Gr composite (wt.%). Graphite and gray cast iron powders were blended and dispersed in Al-1.2 Si matrix alloy melt and poured in a cast iron mould. Gray cast iron powder worked as carrier for graphite particles. The presence of graphite improves the ultimate tensile strength, tensile and compressive stress but beyond 1 % of graphite all properties deteriorate. However, hardness continuously increases and percentage elongation reduces with graphite. In wear studies, different mechanisms: mild-oxidative, oxidative-metallic and severe-metallic, are operative in the different combinations of sliding velocities and applied loads.