Wear and Friction Study of Centrifugally Cast Functionally Graded Cu-Ni-Si Alloy and Composite

The functional grade composite Cu-11Ni-4Si/10wt.%TiC along with Cu-11Ni-4Si alloy was stir cast, followed by horizontal-centrifuge cast technique. Cast sample was prepared at a dimension Fout100 x Fin85 x 100 mm. A comparative analysis for non-lubricated slide tribology at inner wall zone (1-5 mm), middle wall zone (5-10 mm) and outer wall zone (10-14 mm) of composites and alloy, was performed utilizing pin-on-disc tribometer. Observed a proportional raise in wear and friction with rise in applied loads and slid distances. For alloy and composite, a slight decline in wear was seen at medium velocity; showing a gradual deduction in friction with rise in slid velocity, while alloy wear showed a linear growth. Rate of increase in wear response with respect to change in distance was less prominent, compared to its response with load. Worn surfaces analysis of composite using Scanning Electron Microscope showed the presence of Mechanically Mixed Layers, which reduced friction at higher slid velocities resulting in lower wear. The phase formations and presence of oxides were confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Energy dispersive spectrometers (EDS) results respectively.