Friction and Wear of Aluminum Alloys and Composites

The chapter starts with an overview on Al alloys and Al-based composites, presenting their physical and mechanical properties, designation, effects of the main alloying elements, microstructural features of cast and wrought Al alloys, strengthening mechanisms and heat treatments. Subsequently the tribological behavior of Al alloys and Al-based composites is presented and discussed, focusing on the dry sliding wear and discussing the effects of: material-related parameters (silicon content, size and shape; other alloying elements and role of intermetallic particles); main operating conditions (load, sliding speed, temperature). Wear maps for Al-Si alloys and MMCs are also reported.