Wear Behaviour of ZA27-Based Composite Reinforced with 5 wt% of SiC Particles and Processed by Multi-directional Forging

Abstract

Zinc aluminium-based alloys (ZA/27) are widely used in bearing application, but due to its density and higher level of porosity of cast component, it limits the usage of these alloys in automobile industries. Stir casting technique followed by squeeze process was adopted. ZA27-based silicon carbide particles (SiC<inf>P</inf>)-reinforced composite was subjected to multi-directional forging (MDF) at 100 °C and 200 °C up to three and six numbers of passes to a total strain of 0.54 and 1.09, respectively. Wear behaviour of ZA27/SiC<inf>P</inf> was investigated using pin-on-disc test rig. Distributions of SiC<inf>P</inf> were fairly uniform. Average grain size of 200–250 nm and 1–2 µm was achieved for three passes at 100 °C and six passes at 200 °C of MDF processed samples. Vickers hardness value increased by incorporation of SiC<inf>P</inf>. Better wear resistance was observed for MDF processed sample at 100 °C up to three passes. Wear mechanisms of the samples were validated through characteristics of worn surfaces. © 2019, The Indian Institute of Metals - IIM.