Evaluation of Wear Behaviour Based on Mechanical Properties and Particle Size in LM26 MMC

Abstract Based on its superior casting and mechanical properties, LM26 is a well-known material in the automobile sector for the manufacturing of pistons for both diesel and gasoline engines. However, cast alloys diminishing the strength at higher temperatures leads to metal matrix composites. The present work deals with fabrication and characterisation of aluminium cast alloy LM26 reinforced with ceramic particles of Almandine Garnet with varying percentages fabricated by dual step stir casting technique The micro hardness and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) were determined and the sliding wear behaviour was estimated using a pin-on-disc apparatus. The effect of particle size and weight fraction of reinforcement on physical and mechanical properties were investigated and collated with unreinforced metal. Wear behaviour of the composite had a reasonably good correlation with composite mechanical properties were also observed. Validation of Experimental results with theoretical values were also discussed.