Dry sliding wear and compressive strength of Fe-Cr matrix composite with and without Al2O3 reinforcement

Fe-Cr matrix composites reinforced with Al₂O₃ particulates fabricated by powder metallurgy (PM) method offer potential for cheaper wear resistance materials and high temperature application. The influence of Al₂O₃ amount on densification, micro-hardness, wear resistance and strength of the composites were evaluated. The results showed that Al₂O₃ yield good influence on Fe-Cr matrix composites. Increases the amount of Al₂O₃ to more than 5 wt% decreases composite´s relative density. The micro-hardness and wear resistance of the composites improved with increasing amount of Al₂O₃ to 20 wt%. Beyond 10 wt% Al₂O₃ addition, the strength properties began to decrease with an increase in Al₂O₃ addition. Overall, the composites reinforced with 5 wt% Al₂O₃ exhibited the best results.