Tribology of SiC_p reinforced Al-12Si matrix composite coatings in water

This study compares the tribological behaviour, of cold sprayed (CS'ed), SiC particle (SiC_p) reinforced Al-12Si matrix composite coatings deposited on 1050 grade aluminium, in two different testing environments (dry and water). The increase in hardness with incorporation of SiC_p caused the coatings to exhibit lower wear rate and friction coefficient in both testing environments. As an indication of water lubricity, sliding in water imposed superior tribological performance (i.e. lower wear rate and lower friction coefficient) as compared to the dry sliding condition especially at lower wear testing load. In summary, finding of this study revealed that, water could be a promising lubricant for metallic engineering components after coating with SiC_p reinforced Al-12Si matrix composites by CS process.