ISSN: 2180-1053 Vol. 3 No. 2 July-December 2011 Abrasive Wear Behavior of Al6061- Frit particulate composites 43 AbrAsive WeAr behAvior of Al6061- frit pArticulAte composites D.ramesh1*, r.p.swamy2 & t.K.chandrashekar3 1Research scholar, Sri Siddhartha Institute of Technology, Tumkur-572105, India 2 Department of studies in Mechanical Engineering, University B.D.T. College of Engineering, Davangere-577004, India 3 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sri Siddhartha Institute of Technology, Tumkur-572105, India *Corresponding Author: Ph. +919739620150, Fax: (0816) 2200270, Email: srirameshg@gmail.com ABSTRACT In recent decades, aluminium alloy based metal matrix composites are gaining important role in several engineering applications. Al6061 alloy has been used as matrix material due to its good formability, excellent mechanical properties and etc., wide spectrum of the applications in industrial sectors. Inclusion of Frit particulates as reinforcement in Al6061 alloy material system improves its hardness, tensile strength, wear resistance. In this present investigation Al6061-Frit particulate composites were produced by ‘VORTEX’ method with varying percentages of Frit particulate from 0 wt% to 10 wt% in steps of 2.The as-cast matrix alloy and its composites have been subjected to solutionizing treatment at a temperature of 5300C for 2 hours followed by quenching in ice. The quenched specimens were subjected to both natural and artificial ageing. Microstructure studies were conducted on as cast and composites in order to investigate the distribution of frit particles retained in matrix material system. Densities of Al6061 matrix alloy and Al6061-Frit particulate composites were measured. Mechanical properties such as Hardness and sand abrasive wear test have been conducted on both Al6061 alloy matrix and Al6061-Frit particulate composite before and after treatment. It has been observed that under identical treatment conditions adopted, a Al6061- Frit particulate composites exhibited significant improvement in hardness, wear resistance and reduced density when compared with Al6061 matrix alloy. KEYWORDS: MMC’s, Solutionizing, Ageing, Hardness, Sand abrasive wear, Density 38 Abrasive Wear Behavior of Al6061- Frit particulate composites D.Ramesh1*, R.P.Swamy2 & T.K.Chandrashekar3 1Research scholar, Sri Siddhartha Institute of Technology, Tumkur-572105, India 2 Department of studies in Mechanical Engineering, University B.D.T. College of Engineering, Davangere-577004, India 3 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sri Siddhartha Institute of Technology, Tumkur-572105, India * Corresponding Author: Ph. +919739620150, Fax: (0816) 2200270, Email: srirameshg@gmail.com ABSTRACT In recent decades, aluminium alloy based metal matrix composites are gaining important role in several engineering applications. Al6061 alloy has been used as matrix material due to its good formability, excellent mechanical properties and etc., wide spectrum of the applications in industrial sectors. Inclusion of Frit particulates as reinforcement in Al6061 alloy material system improves its hardness, tensile strength, wear resistance. In this present investigation Al6061-Frit particulate composites were produced by „VORTEX‟ method with varying percentages of Frit particulate from 0 wt% to 10 wt% in steps of 2.The as-cast matrix alloy and its composites have been subjected to solutionizing treatment at a temperature of 5300C for 2 hours followed by quenching in ice. The quenched specimens were subjected to both natural and artificial ageing. Microstructure studies were conducted on as cast and composites in order to investigate the distribution of frit particles retained in matrix material system. Densities of Al6061 matrix alloy and Al6061-Frit particulate composites were measured. Mechanical properties such as Hardness and sand abrasive wear test have been conducted on both Al6061 alloy matrix and Al6061-Frit particulate composite before and after treatment. It has been observed that under identical treatment conditions adopted, a Al6061-Frit particulate composites exhibited significant improvement in hardness, wear resistance and reduced density when compared with Al6061 matrix alloy. KEYWORDS: MMC‟s, Solutionizing, Ageing, Hardness, Sand abrasive wear, Density 1.0 INTRODUCTION Improvement in the mechanical properties of wear resistance of Aluminium matrix composites can be achieved by adopting suitable treatment; (Das et al., 2008) have reported the abrasive wear behavior of as-cast and treated SiC reinforced Al-Si composites. They have reported that un-reinforced matrix material suffers from higher wear rates then that of Al-Si/SiC composites in both as-cast and heat treated conditions. Further, heat treated Al- Si/SiC composites exhibits better performance under all studied conditions. (Modi et al., 2001) have reported the three body abrasive wear behavior of Aluminium-Zinc/ Al2O3 composites exhibited excellent wear resistance under all the test conditions employed. ISSN: 2180-1053 Vol. 3 No. 2 July-December 2011 Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Technology 44 39 A comparative study by (S.Das et al. 2007) on wear resistance of Zircon sand and Alumina reinforced AMC`s, revealed improved abrasive wear resistance with the decrease in particle size. Adhesive wear behavior of cast Al6061-TiO2 composites studied by (Ramesh et al., 2005) reported that, the wear resistance of composites is superior when compared to Al6061 matrix alloy. Further, it increases with increase in TiO2 particle content. S.Das (2004) reported the effect of load on abrasive wear rate of LM13-alloy and LM13 – SiC composites, results revealed that wear rates increases as the applied load increases for both as-cast alloy and its composites. An extensive review work on the dry sliding wear characteristics of composites based on aluminium alloys have been under taken by (Sannio et al., 1995) and abrasive wear behavior by (Deuis et al., 1996).In their studies and discussions, the effect of reinforcement volume fraction, reinforcement size, sliding distance, applied load, sliding speed, hardness of the counter face and properties of the reinforcement phase which influence the wear behavior of this group of composites are examined in detail. Reinforcement of hard particles in Al matrix protects the matrix alloy surface against destructive action of the abrasive during the abrasive wear behavior and rake angle of the abrasive affects the behavior (ZumGhar K.H., 1979, Hutchings.J.M, 1987, Kulik.T et al., 1989, Jain-main.T 1985, Axen N, 1992). (Wang et al., 1989) Reported that coarse abrasive particles and high volume fraction of reinforcement results in decreased resistance; this is attributed mainly due to fragmentation of reinforcement phase. On the other hand, it was mentioned with decrease in the abrasive particle size. 2.0 EXPERIMENTAL 2.1 Material Selection Al6061 matrix alloy was choosen as matrix material owing to its many advantages like excellent casting properties, strength, formability, and heat treatable. Table 1 shows the chemical composition of Al6061 matrix alloy material used in this present study. Frit particles size around 50 µm was used as reinforcement material in Al6061 matrix material. Table 2 shows the chemical composition of Frit particle reinforcement used in present study. 40 TABLE 1. Chemical composition of Al6061 (wt %). Si Cu Fe Mn Mg Zn Pb Ti Sn Al 0.809 0.355 0.155 0.027 0.8 0.008 0.023 0.010 0.010 97.390 TABLE 2. Chemical composition of frit (wt %). SiO2 Al2O3 Fe2O3 CaO MgO Na2O K2O B2O3 68.90 9.41 0.40 15.22 4.30 0.75 0.42 <0.05 2.2 Composite production Al6061-Frit composites were prepared using liquid metallurgy route (VORTEX).Particulate MMC`s are most commonly manufactured either by melt incorporation and casting technique or by powder blending and consolidation (Clyne T.W., 2001). AMC`s are synthesized via variety of manufacturing routes. These techniques include stir casting (S.Skolians. 1996, Kang C.G. et al., 1997, XUY et al., 1998), liquid metal infiltration (Seo Y.H. et al., 1995), Squeeze casting (Lee J.C., et al.,1998) and spray co-deposition (Bar J. et al.,1993). Stir casting route is generally practiced commercially (Skolianos S., et al., 1993, Banerji A. et al., 1982, Surappa M.K, et al., 1982) .Its advantage lies in its simplicity, flexibility and applicability to large quantity of production. Al6061 matrix alloy material was melted using 6 KW electrical resistance furnace. Pre heated Frit particles were slowly added into the molten matrix alloy material and mixed thoroughly by means of mechanical stirrer. Thoroughly mixed composite melt maintained at a temperature of 7100C was poured into the preheated metallic molds. The proportion of Frit particles was varied from 2 wt% to 10 wt% in steps of 2 wt%. However Al6061 matrix alloy material was also casted for comparison. Cast Al6061 matrix alloy material and Al6061- Frit particulate composites were machined to test standards. 2.3 Heat treatment Al6061 matrix alloy and Al6061-Frit particulate composites were subjected to thermal treatment by solutionizing at a temperature of 5300C followed by ice quenching. Both artificial and natural ageing (0 h) were employed on the quenched specimens. Artificial ageing was performed at a temperature of 1750C for duration of 2 h to 10 h in steps of 2 h. 2.4 Microstructure Al6061 matrix alloy and Al6061-Frit particulate composites were subjected to microstructural studies. The standard metallographic technique was adopted on Al6061 matrix alloy and Al6061-Frit particulate composites for microstructural characterization. The polished specimens were etched with Keller’s reagent. 2.5 Density test 38 Abrasive Wear Behavior of Al6061- Frit particulate composites D.Ramesh1*, R.P.Swamy2 & T.K.Chandrashekar3 1Research scholar, Sri Siddhartha Institute of Technology, Tumkur-572105, India 2 Department of studies in Mechanical Engineering, University B.D.T. College of Engineering, Davangere-577004, India 3 Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sri Siddhartha Institute of Technology, Tumkur-572105, India * Corresponding Author: Ph. +919739620150, Fax: (0816) 2200270, Email: srirameshg@gmail.com ABSTRACT In recent decades, aluminium alloy based metal matrix composites are gaining important role in several engineering applications. Al6061 alloy has been used as matrix material due to its good formability, excellent mechanical properties and etc., wide spectrum of the applications in industrial sectors. Inclusion of Frit particulates as reinforcement in Al6061 alloy material system improves its hardness, tensile strength, wear resistance. In this present investigation Al6061-Frit particulate composites were produced by „VORTEX‟ method with varying percentages of Frit particulate from 0 wt% to 10 wt% in steps of 2.The as-cast matrix alloy and its composites have been subjected to solutionizing treatment at a temperature of 5300C for 2 hours followed by quenching in ice. The quenched specimens were subjected to both natural and artificial ageing. Microstructure studies were conducted on as cast and composites in order to investigate the distribution of frit particles retained in matrix material system. Densities of Al6061 matrix alloy and Al6061-Frit particulate composites were measured. Mechanical properties such as Hardness and sand abrasive wear test have been conducted on both Al6061 alloy matrix and Al6061-Frit particulate composite before and after treatment. It has been observed that under identical treatment conditions adopted, a Al6061-Frit particulate composites exhibited significant improvement in hardness, wear resistance and reduced density when compared with Al6061 matrix alloy. KEYWORDS: MMC‟s, Solutionizing, Ageing, Hardness, Sand abrasive wear, Density 1.0 INTRODUCTION Improvement in the mechanical properties of wear resistance of Aluminium matrix composites can be achieved by adopting suitable treatment; (Das et al., 2008) have reported the abrasive wear behavior of as-cast and treated SiC reinforced Al-Si composites. They have reported that un-reinforced matrix material suffers from higher wear rates then that of Al-Si/SiC composites in both as-cast and heat treated conditions. Further, heat treated Al- Si/SiC composites exhibits better performance under all studied conditions. (Modi et al., 2001) have reported the three body abrasive wear behavior of Aluminium-Zinc/ Al2O3 composites exhibited excellent wear resistance under all the test conditions employed. TABLE 1 ISSN: 2180-1053 Vol. 3 No. 2 July-December 2011 Abrasive Wear Behavior of Al6061- Frit particulate composites 45 40 TABLE 1. Chemical composition of Al6061 (wt %). Si Cu Fe Mn Mg Zn Pb Ti Sn Al 0.809 0.355 0.155 0.027 0.8 0.008 0.023 0.010 0.010 97.390 TABLE 2. Chemical composition of frit (wt %). SiO2 Al2O3 Fe2O3 CaO MgO Na2O K2O B2O3 68.90 9.41 0.40 15.22 4.30 0.75 0.42 <0.05 2.2 Composite production Al6061-Frit composites were prepared using liquid metallurgy route (VORTEX).Particulate MMC`s are most commonly manufactured either by melt incorporation and casting technique or by powder blending and consolidation (Clyne T.W., 2001). AMC`s are synthesized via variety of manufacturing routes. These techniques include stir casting (S.Skolians. 1996, Kang C.G. et al., 1997, XUY et al., 1998), liquid metal infiltration (Seo Y.H. et al., 1995), Squeeze casting (Lee J.C., et al.,1998) and spray co-deposition (Bar J. et al.,1993). Stir casting route is generally practiced commercially (Skolianos S., et al., 1993, Banerji A. et al., 1982, Surappa M.K, et al., 1982) .Its advantage lies in its simplicity, flexibility and applicability to large quantity of production. Al6061 matrix alloy material was melted using 6 KW electrical resistance furnace. Pre heated Frit particles were slowly added into the molten matrix alloy material and mixed thoroughly by means of mechanical stirrer. Thoroughly mixed composite melt maintained at a temperature of 7100C was poured into the preheated metallic molds. The proportion of Frit particles was varied from 2 wt% to 10 wt% in steps of 2 wt%. However Al6061 matrix alloy material was also casted for comparison. Cast Al6061 matrix alloy material and Al6061- Frit particulate composites were machined to test standards. 2.3 Heat treatment Al6061 matrix alloy and Al6061-Frit particulate composites were subjected to thermal treatment by solutionizing at a temperature of 5300C followed by ice quenching. Both artificial and natural ageing (0 h) were employed on the quenched specimens. Artificial ageing was performed at a temperature of 1750C for duration of 2 h to 10 h in steps of 2 h. 2.4 Microstructure Al6061 matrix alloy and Al6061-Frit particulate composites were subjected to microstructural studies. The standard metallographic technique was adopted on Al6061 matrix alloy and Al6061-Frit particulate composites for microstructural characterization. The polished specimens were etched with Keller’s reagent. 2.5 Density test 41 The theoretical density was calculated using rule-of-mixture and experimentally, the density measurements were carried out on the base alloy and reinforced samples using Archimedes principle. The buoyant force on submerged object is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. This principle is useful for determining the volume, by measuring its mass in air and its effective mass when submerged in water (density=1 g/cc).This effective mass under water will be its actual mass minus the mass of the fluid displaced. The difference between the real and effective masses therefore gives the mass of the displaced water and allows the volume of the object to be calculated. Mass divided by the volume thus determined gives a measure of the average density of the object (Ramachandra M. et al., 2006). The density of material, which is ratio of weight to volume (Bermudeza M.D. et al., 2001, Ahmad S.N. et al., 2005), Theoretical density was derived from Halpin-Tsai equation. Density (theoretical) =ρ (DRMMC) = ρm vf(m)+ ρpvf (p) ------------(1) ρ (DRMMC)= Density of the DRMMCs, ρm= Density of matrix alloy, ρp= Density of reinforcing particle, vf(m)= Volume fraction of the matrix, vf(p)= Volume fraction of reinforcing particle. The densities of the respective specimen were determined basically by measuring the mass and the volume by using the balance and the measuring cylinder respectively. It is then estimated from the formula given below (Aigbodin V.S. et al., 2007, Ogucha I. A, 1997). Density (gm/cc) =Mass (gm)/Volume (cc) -------------- (2) Density of reinforcement material (Frit) =2.52 g/cc. Density of matrix material (Al6061) = 2.70 g/cc. 2.4 Hardness test Hardness is one important property which effects wear resistance of any metal or alloy, hardness measurements were carried out on Al6061 matrix alloy and Al6061-Frit particulate composite specimens of both as-cast and treated. Brinell hardness measurements were carried out in order to investigate the influence of Frit particulate on the matrix alloy hardness. The applied load was 500 Kgs and an indenter of 10 mm diameter steel ball (HB500). Round specimens of 20 mm in diameter were prepared and polished on different grits of emery paper. The polished specimens were tested using Brinell hardness tester. The test was carried out at five different locations to controvert the possible effect of indenter resting on the harder particles. Hardness was determined by measuring the indentations diameter produced. The average of all the five readings was taken as the hardness of as-cast and composite specimens. Figure 1 & 2 shows the hardness test specimen before and after indentation. TABLE 1 ISSN: 2180-1053 Vol. 3 No. 2 July-December 2011 Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Technology 46 41 The theoretical density was calculated using rule-of-mixture and experimentally, the density measurements were carried out on the base alloy and reinforced samples using Archimedes principle. The buoyant force on submerged object is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. This principle is useful for determining the volume, by measuring its mass in air and its effective mass when submerged in water (density=1 g/cc).This effective mass under water will be its actual mass minus the mass of the fluid displaced. The difference between the real and effective masses therefore gives the mass of the displaced water and allows the volume of the object to be calculated. Mass divided by the volume thus determined gives a measure of the average density of the object (Ramachandra M. et al., 2006). The density of material, which is ratio of weight to volume (Bermudeza M.D. et al., 2001, Ahmad S.N. et al., 2005), Theoretical density was derived from Halpin-Tsai equation. Density (theoretical) =ρ (DRMMC) = ρm vf(m)+ ρpvf (p) ------------(1) ρ (DRMMC)= Density of the DRMMCs, ρm= Density of matrix alloy, ρp= Density of reinforcing particle, vf(m)= Volume fraction of the matrix, vf(p)= Volume fraction of reinforcing particle. The densities of the respective specimen were determined basically by measuring the mass and the volume by using the balance and the measuring cylinder respectively. It is then estimated from the formula given below (Aigbodin V.S. et al., 2007, Ogucha I. A, 1997). Density (gm/cc) =Mass (gm)/Volume (cc) -------------- (2) Density of reinforcement material (Frit) =2.52 g/cc. Density of matrix material (Al6061) = 2.70 g/cc. 2.4 Hardness test Hardness is one important property which effects wear resistance of any metal or alloy, hardness measurements were carried out on Al6061 matrix alloy and Al6061-Frit particulate composite specimens of both as-cast and treated. Brinell hardness measurements were carried out in order to investigate the influence of Frit particulate on the matrix alloy hardness. The applied load was 500 Kgs and an indenter of 10 mm diameter steel ball (HB500). Round specimens of 20 mm in diameter were prepared and polished on different grits of emery paper. The polished specimens were tested using Brinell hardness tester. The test was carried out at five different locations to controvert the possible effect of indenter resting on the harder particles. Hardness was determined by measuring the indentations diameter produced. The average of all the five readings was taken as the hardness of as-cast and composite specimens. Figure 1 & 2 shows the hardness test specimen before and after indentation. 42 2.7 Sand Abrasion test The three body abrasion test was carried out at room temperature on Al6061 matrix alloy and Al6061-Frit particulate composites of as-cast and thermal treated conditions. The tests were performed using standard rubber wheel abrasion testing apparatus as per ASTM G65- 81 standards. Figure 3 is the photograph of the sand abrasion tester. Details of the sand abrasion tester employed in this present study are reported in Table 3. The test specimens of size 75 X 25 X 8 mm were metallographically prepared and polished. Loads were varied from 2 N to 10 N in steps of 2 N at constant wheel speed of 200 rpm. Silica sand of grain size 50 µm was used as the abrasive media. Test duration of 30 minutes was adopted for all specimens. Using digital weighing balance of accuracy 0.1 mg wear loss was measured. TABLE 3.Details of the sand abrasion testing apparatus Sl. No. Description Particulars 1 Abrasive material AFS 50-70 test sand 2 Rubber wheel speed 200 rpm through a helical geared motor of 1.5 kW (3 Phase) 3 Test load 1 to 45 N 4 Rubber wheel diameter 228 mm 5 Power 430 V AC (3 Phase) 6 Specimen dimension 75 x 24 x 8 mm 7 Erodent AFS3080 FIGURE 1. Pictorial view of hardness test specimens FIGURE 2. Pictorial view of hardness test specimens after indentation 42 2.7 Sand Abrasion test The three body abrasion test was carried out at room temperature on Al6061 matrix alloy and Al6061-Frit particulate composites of as-cast and thermal treated conditions. The tests were performed using standard rubber wheel abrasion testing apparatus as per ASTM G65- 81 standards. Figure 3 is the photograph of the sand abrasion tester. Details of the sand abrasion tester employed in this present study are reported in Table 3. The test specimens of size 75 X 25 X 8 mm were metallographically prepared and polished. Loads were varied from 2 N to 10 N in steps of 2 N at constant wheel speed of 200 rpm. Silica sand of grain size 50 µm was used as the abrasive media. Test duration of 30 minutes was adopted for all specimens. Using digital weighing balance of accuracy 0.1 mg wear loss was measured. TABLE 3.Details of the sand abrasion testing apparatus Sl. No. Description Particulars 1 Abrasive material AFS 50-70 test sand 2 Rubber wheel speed 200 rpm through a helical geared motor of 1.5 kW (3 Phase) 3 Test load 1 to 45 N 4 Rubber wheel diameter 228 mm 5 Power 430 V AC (3 Phase) 6 Specimen dimension 75 x 24 x 8 mm 7 Erodent AFS3080 FIGURE 1. Pictorial view of hardness test specimens FIGURE 2. Pictorial view of hardness test specimens after indentation FIGURE 1 & 2 shows the hardness test specimen before and after FIGURE 2 ISSN: 2180-1053 Vol. 3 No. 2 July-December 2011 Abrasive Wear Behavior of Al6061- Frit particulate composites 47 42 2.7 Sand Abrasion test The three body abrasion test was carried out at room temperature on Al6061 matrix alloy and Al6061-Frit particulate composites of as-cast and thermal treated conditions. The tests were performed using standard rubber wheel abrasion testing apparatus as per ASTM G65- 81 standards. Figure 3 is the photograph of the sand abrasion tester. Details of the sand abrasion tester employed in this present study are reported in Table 3. The test specimens of size 75 X 25 X 8 mm were metallographically prepared and polished. Loads were varied from 2 N to 10 N in steps of 2 N at constant wheel speed of 200 rpm. Silica sand of grain size 50 µm was used as the abrasive media. Test duration of 30 minutes was adopted for all specimens. Using digital weighing balance of accuracy 0.1 mg wear loss was measured. TABLE 3.Details of the sand abrasion testing apparatus Sl. No. Description Particulars 1 Abrasive material AFS 50-70 test sand 2 Rubber wheel speed 200 rpm through a helical geared motor of 1.5 kW (3 Phase) 3 Test load 1 to 45 N 4 Rubber wheel diameter 228 mm 5 Power 430 V AC (3 Phase) 6 Specimen dimension 75 x 24 x 8 mm 7 Erodent AFS3080 FIGURE 1. Pictorial view of hardness test specimens FIGURE 2. Pictorial view of hardness test specimens after indentation 43 8 Sand mass flow rate 0.25 kg/min or 2.45 N/min 9 Rubber hardness 60-62 shore A 10 Duration 30 min 11 Pressure 5.88 N/mm2 12 Load 12.75 N FIGURE 3. Photograph of sand abrasion testing apparatus 3.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 3.1 Microstructure The optical micrograph of the cast Al6061 and Al6061-Frit particulate composites are shown in fig.4. a & b. The micrograph clearly indicates the distribution of Frit particles is fairly uniform. Further the micrograph reveals an excellent bond between the matrix alloy and the reinforcement as shown in fig.5. TABLE 3 FIGURE 3 ISSN: 2180-1053 Vol. 3 No. 2 July-December 2011 Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Technology 48 44 3.2 Density The fig. 6. Is presented with comparison of theoretical density obtained by rule of mixture and measured density values by experiment for Al6061 matrix alloy and Al6061- Frit particulate composites studied. The results reveal that the presence of frit particles has an effect on the density of the MMC`s. From figure it can be concluded that the experimental and theoretical density values are in line with each other and confirms the suitability of the liquid metallurgy route for successful composite fabrication. This result is similar to that of other researchers (Aigbodion V.S. et al., 2010). M.Ramachandra et.al. (2006) reported the density of the reinforced particulates has effect on the density of the MMC`s and variation of density with reinforcement content is in line with experimental density values of Al6061- Un-heat treated Heat treated Heat treated Un-heat treated FIGURE 4.b. Microstructure of 6 wt % of Al6061- Frit particulate composite FIGURE 5. Optical micrograph of aluminium /frit composite indicating good bond between the matrix and frit particles. FIGURE. 4.a. Microstructure of as cast Al6061 matrix alloy 43 8 Sand mass flow rate 0.25 kg/min or 2.45 N/min 9 Rubber hardness 60-62 shore A 10 Duration 30 min 11 Pressure 5.88 N/mm2 12 Load 12.75 N FIGURE 3. Photograph of sand abrasion testing apparatus 3.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 3.1 Microstructure The optical micrograph of the cast Al6061 and Al6061-Frit particulate composites are shown in fig.4. a & b. The micrograph clearly indicates the distribution of Frit particles is fairly uniform. Further the micrograph reveals an excellent bond between the matrix alloy and the reinforcement as shown in fig.5. FIGURE 4.a. FIGURE 4.b. FIGURE 5 ISSN: 2180-1053 Vol. 3 No. 2 July-December 2011 Abrasive Wear Behavior of Al6061- Frit particulate composites 49 44 3.2 Density The fig. 6. Is presented with comparison of theoretical density obtained by rule of mixture and measured density values by experiment for Al6061 matrix alloy and Al6061- Frit particulate composites studied. The results reveal that the presence of frit particles has an effect on the density of the MMC`s. From figure it can be concluded that the experimental and theoretical density values are in line with each other and confirms the suitability of the liquid metallurgy route for successful composite fabrication. This result is similar to that of other researchers (Aigbodion V.S. et al., 2010). M.Ramachandra et.al. (2006) reported the density of the reinforced particulates has effect on the density of the MMC`s and variation of density with reinforcement content is in line with experimental density values of Al6061- Un-heat treated Heat treated Heat treated Un-heat treated FIGURE 4.b. Microstructure of 6 wt % of Al6061- Frit particulate composite FIGURE 5. Optical micrograph of aluminium /frit composite indicating good bond between the matrix and frit particles. FIGURE. 4.a. Microstructure of as cast Al6061 matrix alloy 45 frit composites. It is observed that as the weight % of the reinforcement increases the density of the composites decreases. 3.3 Hardness Fig. 7 and 8. Shows the variation of hardness of Al6061 matrix alloy and Al6061-Frit particulate composites in as-cast and treated conditions. It is observed that hardness increases with increase in weight percentage of Frit particles in matrix alloy in both as-cast and treated conditions. A maximum of around 29 % and 44 % improvement is observed in as-cast and treated Al6061- 6 Wt % Frit composite respectively. Increased hardness with increased weight percentage of Frit particles in the Al6061 matrix alloy can be attributed to the following reasons.  Higher hardness of Frit particles in ductile and soft Al6061 matrix alloy enhances the hardness in general (Ganesh V.V. et al., 2002).  Good interfacial bond between matrix alloy and particle reinforcement as shown in fig. 4.  Reinforcement content weight percentage increase in the matrix alloy. Density v/s weight % of reinforcement 2.66 2.665 2.67 2.675 2.68 2.685 2.69 2.695 2.7 2.705 0 2 4 6 8 10 W e i gh t % of re i n force me n t D en si ty ( g/ cc ) T heoret ical Densit y Experiment al Densit y FIGURE 6. Effect of reinforcement on density of the composites. 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 0 2 4 6 8 10 W e i gh t % of re i n force me n t H a rd n es s (B H N ) FIGURE 7. Variation of hardness with increase in weight % of reinforcement for as cast Al6061 matrix alloy and Al 6061-Frit particulate composites 45 frit composites. It is observed that as the weight % of the reinforcement increases the density of the composites decreases. 3.3 Hardness Fig. 7 and 8. Shows the variation of hardness of Al6061 matrix alloy and Al6061-Frit particulate composites in as-cast and treated conditions. It is observed that hardness increases with increase in weight percentage of Frit particles in matrix alloy in both as-cast and treated conditions. A maximum of around 29 % and 44 % improvement is observed in as-cast and treated Al6061- 6 Wt % Frit composite respectively. Increased hardness with increased weight percentage of Frit particles in the Al6061 matrix alloy can be attributed to the following reasons.  Higher hardness of Frit particles in ductile and soft Al6061 matrix alloy enhances the hardness in general (Ganesh V.V. et al., 2002).  Good interfacial bond between matrix alloy and particle reinforcement as shown in fig. 4.  Reinforcement content weight percentage increase in the matrix alloy. Density v/s weight % of reinforcement 2.66 2.665 2.67 2.675 2.68 2.685 2.69 2.695 2.7 2.705 0 2 4 6 8 10 W e i gh t % of re i n force me n t D en si ty ( g/ cc ) T heoret ical Densit y Experiment al Densit y FIGURE 6. Effect of reinforcement on density of the composites. 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 0 2 4 6 8 10 W e i gh t % of re i n force me n t H a rd n es s (B H N ) FIGURE 7. Variation of hardness with increase in weight % of reinforcement for as cast Al6061 matrix alloy and Al 6061-Frit particulate composites FIGURE 6 ISSN: 2180-1053 Vol. 3 No. 2 July-December 2011 Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Technology 50 46 3.4 Sand Abrasion 3.4.1 Effect of Reinforcement Fig.9. Shows the variation of abrasive wear loss (weight loss) of as-cast and heat-treated Al6061 matrix alloy and Al6061- Frit particulate composites. It is noticed that weight loss decreases with increase in reinforcement content in matrix alloy in both as-cast and thermally treated conditions. In the all the specimens studied, heat-treated specimens exhibited better abrasive wear resistance than as-cast matrix alloy and its composites. Decrease in weight loss with in increase in weight percentage of reinforcement indicates higher hardness of composites. The inclusion of hard Frit particles in soft ductile matrix alloy protects and reduces the extent of penetration of the abrasive particles on the surface. (Mondal D.P. et al., 2006). Higher hardness results in better abrasive wear resistance of the materials. The major factor that influences the wear behavior of composites is good interfacial bond between the matrix alloy and the reinforcement. A large wear results in absence of good interfacial bond, under three body abrasion wear conditions (Zhang Z.F. et al., 1994, Ramesh C.S. et al., 2007 ). The three body abrasion wear results of all specimens studied indicated no plucking of Frit particles from matrix alloy. This shows the good interfacial bond between Frit particles and the matrix alloy. It is reported that the wear behavior of particle reinforced composites mainly depend on the type of interfacial bond between the Al matrix alloy and the reinforcement. (Kok M., 2006). Load 4 N 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2 0% 2% 4% 6% 8% 10% Wt % of reinforcement W t l os s in m g Un-heat treated Heat treated FIGURE 9. Variation of weight loss of Al6061 matrix alloy and l6061- Frit particulate composites. 45 frit composites. It is observed that as the weight % of the reinforcement increases the density of the composites decreases. 3.3 Hardness Fig. 7 and 8. Shows the variation of hardness of Al6061 matrix alloy and Al6061-Frit particulate composites in as-cast and treated conditions. It is observed that hardness increases with increase in weight percentage of Frit particles in matrix alloy in both as-cast and treated conditions. A maximum of around 29 % and 44 % improvement is observed in as-cast and treated Al6061- 6 Wt % Frit composite respectively. Increased hardness with increased weight percentage of Frit particles in the Al6061 matrix alloy can be attributed to the following reasons.  Higher hardness of Frit particles in ductile and soft Al6061 matrix alloy enhances the hardness in general (Ganesh V.V. et al., 2002).  Good interfacial bond between matrix alloy and particle reinforcement as shown in fig. 4.  Reinforcement content weight percentage increase in the matrix alloy. Density v/s weight % of reinforcement 2.66 2.665 2.67 2.675 2.68 2.685 2.69 2.695 2.7 2.705 0 2 4 6 8 10 W e i gh t % of re i n force me n t D en si ty ( g/ cc ) T heoret ical Densit y Experiment al Densit y FIGURE 6. Effect of reinforcement on density of the composites. 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 0 2 4 6 8 10 W e i gh t % of re i n force me n t H a rd n es s (B H N ) FIGURE 7. Variation of hardness with increase in weight % of reinforcement for as cast Al6061 matrix alloy and Al 6061-Frit particulate composites FIGURE 7 ISSN: 2180-1053 Vol. 3 No. 2 July-December 2011 Abrasive Wear Behavior of Al6061- Frit particulate composites 51 46 3.4 Sand Abrasion 3.4.1 Effect of Reinforcement Fig.9. Shows the variation of abrasive wear loss (weight loss) of as-cast and heat-treated Al6061 matrix alloy and Al6061- Frit particulate composites. It is noticed that weight loss decreases with increase in reinforcement content in matrix alloy in both as-cast and thermally treated conditions. In the all the specimens studied, heat-treated specimens exhibited better abrasive wear resistance than as-cast matrix alloy and its composites. Decrease in weight loss with in increase in weight percentage of reinforcement indicates higher hardness of composites. The inclusion of hard Frit particles in soft ductile matrix alloy protects and reduces the extent of penetration of the abrasive particles on the surface. (Mondal D.P. et al., 2006). Higher hardness results in better abrasive wear resistance of the materials. The major factor that influences the wear behavior of composites is good interfacial bond between the matrix alloy and the reinforcement. A large wear results in absence of good interfacial bond, under three body abrasion wear conditions (Zhang Z.F. et al., 1994, Ramesh C.S. et al., 2007 ). The three body abrasion wear results of all specimens studied indicated no plucking of Frit particles from matrix alloy. This shows the good interfacial bond between Frit particles and the matrix alloy. It is reported that the wear behavior of particle reinforced composites mainly depend on the type of interfacial bond between the Al matrix alloy and the reinforcement. (Kok M., 2006). Load 4 N 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2 0% 2% 4% 6% 8% 10% Wt % of reinforcement W t l os s in m g Un-heat treated Heat treated FIGURE 9. Variation of weight loss of Al6061 matrix alloy and l6061- Frit particulate composites. 47 3.4.2 Effect of Load The variation of weight loss of Al6061 matrix alloy and Al6061-Frit composites with load in as-cast and heat-treated condition is shown in fig. 10 and 11. There is a steady increase in wear up to a load of 8 N and a steep increase is noticed at 8 N for all the specimens studied. Tim e 30 m inutes 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 2N 4N 6N 8N 10N Load in N W t lo s s i n m g 0 Wt % Un-heat treated 2 Wt % Un-heat treated 4 Wt % Un-heat treated 6 Wt % Un-heat treated 8 Wt % Un-heat treated 10 Wt % Un-heat treated FIGURE 10. Variation of weight loss with increase in load for Al6061 matrix alloy and Al 6061-Frit particulate composites under un-heat treated conditions Time 30 minutes 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 2N 4N 6N 8N 10N Load in N W t l os s in m g 0 Wt % heat treated 2 Wt % heat treated 4 Wt % heat treated 6 Wt % heat treated 8 Wt % heat treated 10 Wt % heat treated FIGURE 11.Variation of weight loss with increase in load for Al6061 matrix alloy and Al 6061-Frit particulate composites under heat treatment conditions FIGURE 8 FIGURE 9 ISSN: 2180-1053 Vol. 3 No. 2 July-December 2011 Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Technology 52 47 3.4.2 Effect of Load The variation of weight loss of Al6061 matrix alloy and Al6061-Frit composites with load in as-cast and heat-treated condition is shown in fig. 10 and 11. There is a steady increase in wear up to a load of 8 N and a steep increase is noticed at 8 N for all the specimens studied. Tim e 30 m inutes 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 2N 4N 6N 8N 10N Load in N W t lo s s i n m g 0 Wt % Un-heat treated 2 Wt % Un-heat treated 4 Wt % Un-heat treated 6 Wt % Un-heat treated 8 Wt % Un-heat treated 10 Wt % Un-heat treated FIGURE 10. Variation of weight loss with increase in load for Al6061 matrix alloy and Al 6061-Frit particulate composites under un-heat treated conditions Time 30 minutes 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 2N 4N 6N 8N 10N Load in N W t l os s in m g 0 Wt % heat treated 2 Wt % heat treated 4 Wt % heat treated 6 Wt % heat treated 8 Wt % heat treated 10 Wt % heat treated FIGURE 11.Variation of weight loss with increase in load for Al6061 matrix alloy and Al 6061-Frit particulate composites under heat treatment conditions 48 4.0 CONCLUSION Microstructural studies clearly indicate a fairly uniform distribution of frit particles in the Al6061 matrix alloy with a good interfacial bond between the reinforcement and Al6061 matrix alloy. Density measurement studies reveals as the weight percentage of reinforcement increases the density of the composites decreases. Hardness increases with ageing duration reaches a peak value at 6 h, and with further increase in ageing duration, there is a decrease in hardness. Al6061- Frit particulate composites exhibit superior abrasive wear resistance than Al6061 matrix alloy in as-cast and heat-treated conditions. 5.0 REFERENCES Ahmad S.N., Hashim J. and Ghazali M.T., (2005), “The effect of porosity on Mechanical Properties of Cast Discontinuous Reinforced Metal-Matrix composites”, Journal of composite Materials, Vol.39, No 5, (pp 451-466). Aigbodin V.S. and Hassan S.B., (2007) “Effects of Silicon carbide reinforcement on Microstructure and properties of cast Al – Si – Fe / SiC particulate composites”, Journal of material sciences and Engineering A, 447, (pp 355-360). Aigbodion V.S., Agunsoye J.O., Kalu V., Asuke F., Ola S., (2010) “Microstructure and Mechanical properties of ceramic composites”, JMMCE, Vol.9, No.6, (pp527-538). Axen N, ZumGhar K.H. , Wear, 1992, 157,189. Banerji A., Prasad S.V., Surappa M.K. and Rohatgi P.K., (1982) “Abrasive wear of cast aluminium alloy-Zircon particle composites”, Wear, 82, (pp 141-151). Bar J., Klubman H.K., and Gudladt H.A., (1993), “Influence of fiber reinforcement on microstructure of an Al-Si based alloy”, Scripta Materialia 23, (pp 787-792). Bermudeza M.D., Martinez-Niccolas G., Carrion F.J, Martin-Mateo I., Rodriguez J.A., Herrera E.J., (2001) “Dry and lubricated wear resistance of mechanically-alloyed aluminium-base sintered composites”, Wear, 248, (pp 178-186). Clyne T.W., (2001) Metal Matrix Composites; Matrices and Processing, “Composites: MMC, CMC, PMC”, A Mortensen (ed), Elsevier, (pp 7-14). Das S. and Das K., (2007)“Abrasive Wear of Zircon Sand and Alumina Reinforced Al-4.5 wt% Cu Alloy matrix composites- A comparative study”, Compos. Sci. Technol., 67, (pp 746-751). Das S., (2004) “Development of Aluminium Alloy Composites For Engineering Applications,trans. Indian Inst. Met, Vol 57, No 4, (pp 325-334). Das S., Mondal D.P., Sawla S., and Ramakrishnan N., (2008) “Synergic effect of Reinforcement and Heat treatment on the Two body Abrasive wear of an Al-Si alloy under varying loads and Abrasive size”, Wear, 264, (pp 47-59). Deuis R.L., Subramanian C. and Yellup J.M., (1996) “Abrasive wear of aluminium composites- a review”, Wear , 201, 1-2, p132-144. Ganesh V.V., Lee C.K. and Gupta M., (2002) “Enhancing the Tensile Modulus and Strength of an Aluminum”, Mater. Sci. Eng. A, 333, (1-2), (pp 103-198). Hutchings.J.M, (1987) Chem. Engg. Sci. 42. Jain-main.T, Ye-yang S,Hua-Ji Z,Chingan Z, Zianwu X., (1985) Tribo Int., 18, 101. Kang C.G., and Yoon J.H., (1997) “The upsetting behavior of semi-solid aluminium material fabricated by a mechanical stirring process”, Journal of Material Production Technology, 66, (pp 30-38). 48 4.0 CONCLUSION Microstructural studies clearly indicate a fairly uniform distribution of frit particles in the Al6061 matrix alloy with a good interfacial bond between the reinforcement and Al6061 matrix alloy. Density measurement studies reveals as the weight percentage of reinforcement increases the density of the composites decreases. Hardness increases with ageing duration reaches a peak value at 6 h, and with further increase in ageing duration, there is a decrease in hardness. Al6061- Frit particulate composites exhibit superior abrasive wear resistance than Al6061 matrix alloy in as-cast and heat-treated conditions. 5.0 REFERENCES Ahmad S.N., Hashim J. and Ghazali M.T., (2005), “The effect of porosity on Mechanical Properties of Cast Discontinuous Reinforced Metal-Matrix composites”, Journal of composite Materials, Vol.39, No 5, (pp 451-466). Aigbodin V.S. and Hassan S.B., (2007) “Effects of Silicon carbide reinforcement on Microstructure and properties of cast Al – Si – Fe / SiC particulate composites”, Journal of material sciences and Engineering A, 447, (pp 355-360). Aigbodion V.S., Agunsoye J.O., Kalu V., Asuke F., Ola S., (2010) “Microstructure and Mechanical properties of ceramic composites”, JMMCE, Vol.9, No.6, (pp527-538). Axen N, ZumGhar K.H. , Wear, 1992, 157,189. Banerji A., Prasad S.V., Surappa M.K. and Rohatgi P.K., (1982) “Abrasive wear of cast aluminium alloy-Zircon particle composites”, Wear, 82, (pp 141-151). Bar J., Klubman H.K., and Gudladt H.A., (1993), “Influence of fiber reinforcement on microstructure of an Al-Si based alloy”, Scripta Materialia 23, (pp 787-792). Bermudeza M.D., Martinez-Niccolas G., Carrion F.J, Martin-Mateo I., Rodriguez J.A., Herrera E.J., (2001) “Dry and lubricated wear resistance of mechanically-alloyed aluminium-base sintered composites”, Wear, 248, (pp 178-186). Clyne T.W., (2001) Metal Matrix Composites; Matrices and Processing, “Composites: MMC, CMC, PMC”, A Mortensen (ed), Elsevier, (pp 7-14). Das S. and Das K., (2007)“Abrasive Wear of Zircon Sand and Alumina Reinforced Al-4.5 wt% Cu Alloy matrix composites- A comparative study”, Compos. Sci. Technol., 67, (pp 746-751). Das S., (2004) “Development of Aluminium Alloy Composites For Engineering Applications,trans. Indian Inst. Met, Vol 57, No 4, (pp 325-334). Das S., Mondal D.P., Sawla S., and Ramakrishnan N., (2008) “Synergic effect of Reinforcement and Heat treatment on the Two body Abrasive wear of an Al-Si alloy under varying loads and Abrasive size”, Wear, 264, (pp 47-59). Deuis R.L., Subramanian C. and Yellup J.M., (1996) “Abrasive wear of aluminium composites- a review”, Wear , 201, 1-2, p132-144. Ganesh V.V., Lee C.K. and Gupta M., (2002) “Enhancing the Tensile Modulus and Strength of an Aluminum”, Mater. Sci. Eng. A, 333, (1-2), (pp 103-198). Hutchings.J.M, (1987) Chem. Engg. Sci. 42. Jain-main.T, Ye-yang S,Hua-Ji Z,Chingan Z, Zianwu X., (1985) Tribo Int., 18, 101. Kang C.G., and Yoon J.H., (1997) “The upsetting behavior of semi-solid aluminium material fabricated by a mechanical stirring process”, Journal of Material Production Technology, 66, (pp 30-38). FIGURE 10 ISSN: 2180-1053 Vol. 3 No. 2 July-December 2011 Abrasive Wear Behavior of Al6061- Frit particulate composites 53 48 4.0 CONCLUSION Microstructural studies clearly indicate a fairly uniform distribution of frit particles in the Al6061 matrix alloy with a good interfacial bond between the reinforcement and Al6061 matrix alloy. Density measurement studies reveals as the weight percentage of reinforcement increases the density of the composites decreases. Hardness increases with ageing duration reaches a peak value at 6 h, and with further increase in ageing duration, there is a decrease in hardness. Al6061- Frit particulate composites exhibit superior abrasive wear resistance than Al6061 matrix alloy in as-cast and heat-treated conditions. 5.0 REFERENCES Ahmad S.N., Hashim J. and Ghazali M.T., (2005), “The effect of porosity on Mechanical Properties of Cast Discontinuous Reinforced Metal-Matrix composites”, Journal of composite Materials, Vol.39, No 5, (pp 451-466). Aigbodin V.S. and Hassan S.B., (2007) “Effects of Silicon carbide reinforcement on Microstructure and properties of cast Al – Si – Fe / SiC particulate composites”, Journal of material sciences and Engineering A, 447, (pp 355-360). Aigbodion V.S., Agunsoye J.O., Kalu V., Asuke F., Ola S., (2010) “Microstructure and Mechanical properties of ceramic composites”, JMMCE, Vol.9, No.6, (pp527-538). Axen N, ZumGhar K.H. , Wear, 1992, 157,189. Banerji A., Prasad S.V., Surappa M.K. and Rohatgi P.K., (1982) “Abrasive wear of cast aluminium alloy-Zircon particle composites”, Wear, 82, (pp 141-151). Bar J., Klubman H.K., and Gudladt H.A., (1993), “Influence of fiber reinforcement on microstructure of an Al-Si based alloy”, Scripta Materialia 23, (pp 787-792). Bermudeza M.D., Martinez-Niccolas G., Carrion F.J, Martin-Mateo I., Rodriguez J.A., Herrera E.J., (2001) “Dry and lubricated wear resistance of mechanically-alloyed aluminium-base sintered composites”, Wear, 248, (pp 178-186). Clyne T.W., (2001) Metal Matrix Composites; Matrices and Processing, “Composites: MMC, CMC, PMC”, A Mortensen (ed), Elsevier, (pp 7-14). Das S. and Das K., (2007)“Abrasive Wear of Zircon Sand and Alumina Reinforced Al-4.5 wt% Cu Alloy matrix composites- A comparative study”, Compos. Sci. Technol., 67, (pp 746-751). Das S., (2004) “Development of Aluminium Alloy Composites For Engineering Applications,trans. Indian Inst. Met, Vol 57, No 4, (pp 325-334). Das S., Mondal D.P., Sawla S., and Ramakrishnan N., (2008) “Synergic effect of Reinforcement and Heat treatment on the Two body Abrasive wear of an Al-Si alloy under varying loads and Abrasive size”, Wear, 264, (pp 47-59). Deuis R.L., Subramanian C. and Yellup J.M., (1996) “Abrasive wear of aluminium composites- a review”, Wear , 201, 1-2, p132-144. Ganesh V.V., Lee C.K. and Gupta M., (2002) “Enhancing the Tensile Modulus and Strength of an Aluminum”, Mater. Sci. Eng. A, 333, (1-2), (pp 103-198). Hutchings.J.M, (1987) Chem. Engg. Sci. 42. Jain-main.T, Ye-yang S,Hua-Ji Z,Chingan Z, Zianwu X., (1985) Tribo Int., 18, 101. Kang C.G., and Yoon J.H., (1997) “The upsetting behavior of semi-solid aluminium material fabricated by a mechanical stirring process”, Journal of Material Production Technology, 66, (pp 30-38). 49 Kok M., (2006),“Abrasive Wear Behavior of Al2O3 particle reinforced 2024 Aluminum Alloy Composites Fabricated by Vortex Method”, Composites A, 37, (pp 457-464). Kulik.T, Kosel.T.H, Yu.K, (1989) Proc. Int Conf, wear Mater.Ed. K.C.Ludema USA, Denver,ASME, 23. Lee J.C., Byun J.Y., Oh C.S., Seok H.K., and Lee H.I, (1998), “Effect of various processing methods on the interfacial reaction in SiCp/2024 Al Composites”, Acta Materials, 45, (pp 5303-5315). Modi O.P., Yadav R.P., Prasad B.K., Jha A.K., Das S., and Yagneswaran A.H., (2001) “Three Body Abrasion of Cast Zinc Aluminium alloy: Influence of Al2O3 Dispersoid and Abrasive Medium”, Wear, 249, (pp 792-799). Mondal D.P. and Das S., (2006) “High Stress Abrasive Wear Behavior of Aluminum Hard Particle Composites; Effect of Experimental Parameters, Particle Size, and Volume Fraction”, Tribol. Int., 39, (pp 470-478). Ogucha I. A., (1997) “Characterization of Aluminium alloy 2618 and its composites containing alumina particles”, Ph.D. Dissertation, Department of mechanical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskanoon, (pp 1-200). Ramachandra M.and Radhakrishna K., (2006) “Sliding wear, slurry erosive wear, and corrosive wear of aluminium/SiC composite, Materials Science-Poland, Vol.24, No 2/1. Ramesh C.S. and Mir Safiulla, (2007) “Wear Behavior of Hot Extruded Al6061 Based Composites”, Wear, 263, (pp 629-635). Ramesh C.S., Answar Khan A.R., Ravikumar N., and Savaprabhu P.,(2005) “Prediction of Wear Co-efficient of AL6061-TiO2 Composites”, Wear, 259, (pp 602-608). S.Skolians., (1996), “Mechanical behavior of cast SiCp-reinforced Al-4.5%Cu-1.5%Mg Alloy”, Material Science Engineering, A 210, (pp76-82). Sannio A.P. and Rack H.J., (1995) “Dry sliding wear of discontinuously reinforced aluminium composites: review and discussion”, Wear, 189, (pp 1-19). Seo Y.H., and Kang C.G. (1995), “The effect of applied pressure on particle dispersion characteristics and mechanical properties in melt-stirring squeeze- cast SiCp/ Al composites”, Journal of Materials Production Technology, 55, (pp 370-379). Skolianos S., and Kattamis T.Z., (1993), “Tribological properties of SiCp-reinforced Al4.5%Cu- 1.5% Mg alloy composites”, Material Science Engineering, A 163, (pp107-113). Surappa M.K., Prasad S.V., and Rohatgi P.K., (1982) “Wear and abrasion of cast Al-Alumina particle composites”, Wear, 77, (pp 295-302). Wang A.G, and Hutchings.J.M, (1989) Mater. Sci. Technol, 5, 71. XUY and Chung D.D.L, (1998) “Low volume fraction particulate performs for making metal- matrix composites by liquid metal infiltration”, Journal of Material Science, 33, (pp 4707- 4709). Zhang Z.F., Zhang L.C. and Mai Y.W., “Wear of Ceramic Particle-Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites”, Part I, Wear Mechanisms, J. Mater. Sci., 1994, 30, p 1961-1966. ZumGhar K.H., (1979), Met Prog. 116, 4. ISSN: 2180-1053 Vol. 3 No. 2 July-December 2011 Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Technology 54 49 Kok M., (2006),“Abrasive Wear Behavior of Al2O3 particle reinforced 2024 Aluminum Alloy Composites Fabricated by Vortex Method”, Composites A, 37, (pp 457-464). Kulik.T, Kosel.T.H, Yu.K, (1989) Proc. Int Conf, wear Mater.Ed. K.C.Ludema USA, Denver,ASME, 23. Lee J.C., Byun J.Y., Oh C.S., Seok H.K., and Lee H.I, (1998), “Effect of various processing methods on the interfacial reaction in SiCp/2024 Al Composites”, Acta Materials, 45, (pp 5303-5315). Modi O.P., Yadav R.P., Prasad B.K., Jha A.K., Das S., and Yagneswaran A.H., (2001) “Three Body Abrasion of Cast Zinc Aluminium alloy: Influence of Al2O3 Dispersoid and Abrasive Medium”, Wear, 249, (pp 792-799). Mondal D.P. and Das S., (2006) “High Stress Abrasive Wear Behavior of Aluminum Hard Particle Composites; Effect of Experimental Parameters, Particle Size, and Volume Fraction”, Tribol. Int., 39, (pp 470-478). Ogucha I. A., (1997) “Characterization of Aluminium alloy 2618 and its composites containing alumina particles”, Ph.D. Dissertation, Department of mechanical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskanoon, (pp 1-200). Ramachandra M.and Radhakrishna K., (2006) “Sliding wear, slurry erosive wear, and corrosive wear of aluminium/SiC composite, Materials Science-Poland, Vol.24, No 2/1. Ramesh C.S. and Mir Safiulla, (2007) “Wear Behavior of Hot Extruded Al6061 Based Composites”, Wear, 263, (pp 629-635). Ramesh C.S., Answar Khan A.R., Ravikumar N., and Savaprabhu P.,(2005) “Prediction of Wear Co-efficient of AL6061-TiO2 Composites”, Wear, 259, (pp 602-608). S.Skolians., (1996), “Mechanical behavior of cast SiCp-reinforced Al-4.5%Cu-1.5%Mg Alloy”, Material Science Engineering, A 210, (pp76-82). Sannio A.P. and Rack H.J., (1995) “Dry sliding wear of discontinuously reinforced aluminium composites: review and discussion”, Wear, 189, (pp 1-19). Seo Y.H., and Kang C.G. (1995), “The effect of applied pressure on particle dispersion characteristics and mechanical properties in melt-stirring squeeze- cast SiCp/ Al composites”, Journal of Materials Production Technology, 55, (pp 370-379). Skolianos S., and Kattamis T.Z., (1993), “Tribological properties of SiCp-reinforced Al4.5%Cu- 1.5% Mg alloy composites”, Material Science Engineering, A 163, (pp107-113). Surappa M.K., Prasad S.V., and Rohatgi P.K., (1982) “Wear and abrasion of cast Al-Alumina particle composites”, Wear, 77, (pp 295-302). Wang A.G, and Hutchings.J.M, (1989) Mater. Sci. Technol, 5, 71. XUY and Chung D.D.L, (1998) “Low volume fraction particulate performs for making metal- matrix composites by liquid metal infiltration”, Journal of Material Science, 33, (pp 4707- 4709). Zhang Z.F., Zhang L.C. and Mai Y.W., “Wear of Ceramic Particle-Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites”, Part I, Wear Mechanisms, J. Mater. Sci., 1994, 30, p 1961-1966. ZumGhar K.H., (1979), Met Prog. 116, 4. 04(43-54).pdf