Investigation on the dry sliding friction and wear properties of Fe-ZrO2 composite

The present work investigated the wear behaviour of powder metallurgy-processed ZrO2 (10 wt.%) reinforced Fe-based metal matrix composite under dry sliding conditions. The friction and wear properties were evaluated under varying loads and sliding speeds ranging from 5 to 10 N, and 0.75 to 1.25 m/s, respectively. The wear tests were performed against a counter face of EN31 steel (HRC 60) employing pin-on-disc tribometer under room temperature. Microstructural examination of the composite by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), displayed the presence as well as a homogeneous dispersion of reinforcement phase into the matrix. At a particular load and sliding speed, transition behaviour was observed in the coefficient of friction, whereas wear rate increased with increasing load and sliding speed. The analysis of worn surface indicated that the adhesive wear was dominant at relatively high operating conditions, while abrasive wear remained operative at lower load and sliding speed.