CuCrW(Al₂O₃) nanocomposite:mechanical alloying, microstructure, and tribological properties

The effect of alumina nanoparticle addition on the microstructure and tribological properties of a CuCrW alloy was investigated in this work. Mechanical alloying was carried out in a satellite ball mill. The tribological properties of the samples were evaluated using pin-on-disk wear tests with different pins (alumina, tungsten carbide, and steel pins). The results indicated that the tungsten carbide pin had a lower coefficient of friction than the alumina and steel pins because of its high hardness and low surface roughness. In addition, when the sliding rate was decreased, the weight-loss rate increased. The existence of alumina nanoparticles in the nanocomposite led to a lower weight-loss rate and to a change in the wear mechanism from adhesive to abrasive.