Particulate reinforced aluminum metal matrix composite is in high demand in automobile
industry where the operational conditions vary from low to high temperature. In order to
understand the wear mode at elevated temperature, this study was planned. For this
purpose we developed a metal matrix composite containing aluminum alloy (LM13) as
matrix and zircon sand as particulate reinforcement by stir casting process. Different
amounts of zircon sand (5, 10, 15 and 20 wt.%) were incorporated in the matrix to study the
effect of reinforcement on the wear resistance. Dispersion of zircon sand particles in the
matrix was confirmed by using optical microscopy. Sliding wear tests were done to study
the durability of the composite with respect to the base alloy. The effects of load and
temperature on wear behavior from room temperature to 300 °C were studied to
understand the wear mechanism deeply. Surface morphology of the worn surfaces after
the wear tests as well as wear debris was observed under scanning electron microscope.
Mild to severe wear transition was noticed in tests at high temperature and high load.
However, there is interesting change in wear behavior of the composite near the critical
temperature of the composite. All the observed behavior has been explained with reference
to the observed microstructure of the wear track and debris.