Dry sliding friction and wear characterization of in situ TiC/Al-Cu3.7-Mg1.3 nanocomposites with nacre-like structures

In situ TiC/Al-Cu3.7-Mg1.3 nanocomposites containing 5–20vol. % nano-TiC with nacre-like structures were prepared via combustion synthesis and hot pressing assisted by hot extrusion. Dry sliding friction and wear tests of the prepared in situ TiC/Al-Cu3.7-Mg1.3 nanocomposites and Al-Cu3.7-Mg1.3 alloy was carried out by a pin-on-disc apparatus under various applied loads and at different sliding velocities at room temperature. The nanocomposites showed much better friction and wear performance than the Al-Cu3.7-Mg1.3 alloy. SEM and EDS analyses were conducted to identify the wear mechanisms. The enhanced wear resistance of the nanocomposites was attributed to the formation of a protective mechanically mixed layer reinforced by nano-TiC particles.