Effects of reinforcement volume fraction on the abrasive wear behaviour of Al-MgO composites produced by the vacuum infiltration method

In this study, the effects of the reinforcement volume fraction on the abrasive wear behaviour of reinforced MgO composites produced by the vacuum infiltration method with 5, 10, and 15 vol% of the volume fraction of Al matrix were investigated. The abrasive wear tests were carried out by 80, 100, and 180 mesh Al2O3 abrasive paper and the pin-on-disc wear device under 10, 20, and 30 N loads at 0.2 m/s sliding speed for 3 s. At the end of the wear tests, scanning electron microscope photographs of worn surfaces were taken and the microstructures were analysed by energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). By checking the images of the worn surfaces, it was observed that the abrasive wear effect increased by increasing the reinforcement ratio. The maximum wear loss was reported under 30 N loads and by 80 mesh abrasive paper. It was found that according to the increment of reinforced MgO in the composite, the amount of wear also increased. On the other hand, the amount of porosity and the reinforcement volume fraction are crucial parameters in the abrasive wear effect.