Effect of dispersion technique and applied load on the dry sliding wear behavior of combined stir-squeeze-cast AA6061–0.5 wt % CNT composite against a steel counter body at both room temperature and elevated temperature

• Published in: Wear 2025-02, Vol.562-563, p.205656, Article 205656
• Main Authors: Sarkar, Sukanta, Dam, Bidipta, Dey, Ujjal, Mandal, Nilrudra, Kumar, C.S., Manna, Indranil, Roy, Siddhartha
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Al-CNT composite; High-temperature wear; Raman spectroscopy; Stir-casting; Tribolayer
• ISSN: 0043-1648
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wear.2024.205656

Wear behavior of three different AA6061-0.5 wt% CNT composites fabricated using different dispersion techniques by stir-squeeze-casting have been studied against a steel ball counter body. The uniform CNT distribution in composites fabricated by dropping pellets of Al-powder and CNT (PD composite) yields the lowest coefficient of friction (COF) and specific wear rate (SWR) for both the composite material and the counter body. Both COF and SWR increase as the load increases from 5 N to 10 N, but drop as the load increases further to 15 N. Even at 150 °C, the presence of CNTs improved the tribological performance of AA6061. A detailed study of CNT morphologies on the worn surface and Raman spectroscopy indicate their beneficial role as a solid lubricant to reduce COF and material loss during wear. •Wear behavior of Al-CNT composite strongly affected by CNT dispersion in Al melt.•The COF and SWR of pellet drop composites (PD) were 68 % and 77 % lower than AA6061.•At 150 °C, PD composite is more wear resistance than AA6061 even at higher load.•Stability of tribolayer determines the wear behavior of the composites.•Raman Peak shift and ID/IG ratio indicate structural change of CNTs due to wear.