Tailoring mechanical reliability: Friction and wear characterization of Al-Rutile (TiO2) composites using powder metallurgy across temperature ranges

C. Antony  Vasantha Kumar; A.  Jasmine Sugil

doi:10.3989/revmetalm.e275.1713

Authors

C. Antony Vasantha Kumar KIT-Kalignarkarunanidhi Institute of Technology https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6534-9455
A. Jasmine Sugil Research Scholar, Sarah Tucker College, Manonmanaiam Sundaranar University https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4940-8708

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3989/revmetalm.e275.1713

Keywords:

Aluminium, Friction, High temperature tribology, Powder metallurgy, Rutile, Sliding wear

Abstract

The tribological behavior of aluminium (Al) composites reinforced with rutile (TiO₂) at varying temperatures was investigated. Rutile, a thermally stable mineral, enhances the frictional properties. Microstructural analysis using an optical microscope revealed a homogeneous structure without agglomeration. Chip morphology studies indicated the formation of continuous separation free chips. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images reveal distinct shear-induced layers within the Al-12% titanium dioxide (TiO₂) composite, suggesting enhanced structural integrity. The hardness measure shows a 58.79 percent increase following the incorporation of rutile (TiO₂). A steady decline in friction was observed with increasing TiO₂ content. The Al-12% TiO₂ composite exhibited a low variation in the friction coefficient (5%), suggesting good machinability. The Al-12% TiO₂ composite entered the severe wear zone beyond 150°C, later than other compositions and exhibited a 58.82 percent reduction in wear loss compared to Al-4% TiO₂. The low standard deviation in wear loss (20.49 mg) indicates a uniform failure. SEM analysis of the worn surfaces highlighted minimal grooves, galling, and metal flow. EDS results confirmed low sensitivity to temperature changes, with adhesion and metal flow identified as the primary failure mechanisms.

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