Microstructure and Tribological Behavior of Al2O3 Particle Reinforced Al Matrix Composites Fabricated by Spark Plasma Sintering

Nanoparticles and microparticles reinforced Al matrix composites were fabricated by spark plasma sintering, and the microstructure and tribological properties were investigated systemically. The nano-Al2O3 particle and micro-Al2O3 particle uniformly dispersed in Al matrix composites. The introduction of nanoparticles is beneficial to the decrease of friction coefficient and wear rate, while microparticles are responsible to the high friction coefficient, resulting in the abrasive wear. With the introduction of both nanoparticles and microparticles, their synergic effect will lead to the variation of tribological behavior.