High-temperature wear behavior of fsped AA6061-SiC nanocomposites: microstructural strengthening and tribolayer stability

Abstract

The high-temperature wear behavior of friction stir processed AA6061 and AA6061-SiC nanocomposites was investigated from 25°C to 300°C. The nanocomposite exhibited an 80% reduction in wear loss (quantified as cross-sectional wear area) at 300°C and stable friction, while the unreinforced alloy showed a sharp transition to severe wear above 200°C. Microindentation revealed a sixfold increase in H 3 /Er 2 with SiC addition, indicating a consistent relationship between resistance to plastic deformation and wear performance. SEM/EDS confirmed the formation of stable oxygen- and Si-rich tribolayers in the nanocomposite. These findings suggest potential for consideration in high-temperature tribological applications. The superior performance arises from Hall-Petch and Orowan strengthening combined with enhanced tribolayer stability.