Aluminium composite materials are exponentially growing up and rapidly gaining importance because of their properties like low density, high strength, high stiffness, environmental resistance, low co-efficient of thermal expansion etc. In this context aluminum-boron carbide composites, with 2.5, 5 and 7.5 wt% of boron carbide (B4C) particulate reinforced, were prepared by stir casting process and the effect of the percentage of reinforcement of B4C on dry sliding wear and friction coefficient were investigated. The wear tests were carried out on a pin-on-disc type apparatus at a linear speed of 1m/s, sliding distance of 500 m and a constant load of 30 N. The coefficient of friction was recorded on line. Wear rates were calculated from mass loss measurements. Scanning electron microscope was used to examine the tribo-surface of worn Al- B4C composites. The results showed that the wear rate of 7.5 wt% B4C composites is 0.375 mg/min which is significantly lower than pure Al alloy (3.125 mg/min). The friction coefficient decreases from 0.477(for pure Al alloy) to 0.261(for 7.5 wt% B4C composites).
Photonic Low Cost Micro-Sensor for in-Line Wear Particle Detection in Flowing Lube Oils