Effect of tungsten disulphide nanoparticles on the tribological properties of aluminium matrix composites

The present work aims to develop a lightweight and lower friction and wear material by utilizing nano-sized tungsten disulfide (WS 2 ) particles (0, 2, 4, and 6 wt.%) as reinforcement particles in the Aluminium (Al) matrix composites developed via powder metallurgy technique. Their inclusion resulted into improvement in the densities and hardness of Al matrix composites. The hardness value increased upto 42.9% (4 wt.% of WS 2 ) as compared to the pure Al matrix., mainly due to grain refinement mechanism. The friction coefficient and specific wear rate also declined by 48% and 43% respectively in comparison to that of pure Al matrix as a result of formation of self-lubricating WS 2 tribofilm at the interface at higher load. The results revealed a significant improvement in tribological properties of Al matrix composites reinforced with WS 2 nanoparticles, suited for lightweight car components interacting at higher loads.