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ABSTRACTDry sliding wear tests on Cu-Al-Mn Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) were performed in this study. The alloy was synthesised with the amount of manganese content varied as 5, 7, and 9 wt.% and the amount of aluminium was kept constant at 10.5 wt.% with the remaining copper. Dry sliding wear tests were carried out at different conditions of sliding speeds, sliding distances, and various load conditions. Experiments were carried out using Taguchi’s technique to obtain an experimental design. The data were analysed using an L27orthogonal array. The wear rate (WR) and coefficient of friction (COF) were evaluated using the ‘smaller is better’ method approach. The main parameters affecting WR and COF were determined using ANOVA. The effects of applied load, sliding speed, sliding distance, and material on WR and COF are determined. The optimum combinations of parameters were set to achieve the lowest wear rate and highest COF. Finally, confirmation tests were conducted to ensure that the experimental results were accurate. After the wear test, the sample texture was observed and analysed using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).

Aluminum metal matrix with carbon fibre reinforcement composites are potential materials for automotive, aerospace and electronics industries. The interaction between Al matrix and carbon fibre reinforcement, plays vibrant role to decide the properties of the Metal Matrix Composites (MMC’s). However, interaction between Al alloy matrix and carbon fibre is forming an Aluminum Carbide (Al4C3) at higher temperature (>650°C). This consequence degrades the mechanical properties and promotes corrosion. To overcome corrosion problem and improve the composite properties, metallic coating on carbon rod is very vital. In the present study, aluminum metal matrix composites (Al6082/4%Al2O3+2%Gr) were developed with coated carbon fibre rod using stir casting process. Carbon fibre rods of 3 mm diameter is coated with nickel by electro less process and then copper coating done by electrolytic process. The bonding between matrix and reinforcement was observed in SEM and EDAX analysis. The results indicates the absent of Al4C3 formation.