ABSTRACT
Metal matrix composites find major applications in defence and transport industries owing to their noteworthy mechanical properties: high strength-to-weight ratio, damping, and resistance to wear and corrosion. Because many of the transport applications engage in dynamic loading, a component that undergoes contact stress requires a material that possesses enhanced resistance to friction and wear, which generally increases the quality and life span of the component. Recent research shows that the strength of composite materials is related to the selection of reinforcing material and its size, as well as its behaviour at the matrix interface. On the basis of the authors’ considered review of the literature, this chapter discusses the tribological behaviour of metal matrix composite with respect to reinforcement additions along with the mechanisms inducing wear. Common effects of various proven hard reinforcements on wear behaviour of commercial matrix material such as aluminium, magnesium, titanium and copper are compared.
