Potential of palm oil clinker as reinforcement in aluminium matrix composites for tribological applications

Abstract

This research studied the potential of palm oil clinker as reinforcement in composite based aluminium for tribological applications. Palm oil clinker particle (POCp) reinforced aluminium matrix composites at different weight % of POCp (0 - 20 %) were fabricated via powder metallurgy technique. Sliding wear behaviour of the composites was studied against mild steel mating surface using Pin-On-Disc configuration at different applied load (3 - 51 N), sliding distances (0 - 500 m) and sliding velocities (0.55 m/s). The analysis of worn surface and subsurface was studied using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results indicate that the composites exhibited better wear resistance at applied load below than 11 N. From surface morphology (SEM study), the presence of POCp in the composite enhance the wear resistance performance of aluminium matrix. From the practical perspective, POCp has highly potential to be utilised as reinforcement in order to improve wear resistance of aluminium in tribological applications.