Effects of Metal and Inorganic Additives on the Tribological Performances of Nickel-Based Composites with Rice Husk Ceramic Particles

Rice husk ceramic (RHC) can be used as a reinforcing agent in metal matrix composites (MMC) to improve the tribological properties because of their remarkable mechanical and tribological properties. This research scrutinizes the role of RHC to enhance tribological properties of Ni-MMC (Nickel metal matrix composite). Ni-MMC with additives RHC, Al, Cu, MoS 2 , and graphite in different content were prepared by powder metallurgy method. The wear and friction mechanism of Ni-MMC was investigated using a ball-disk tribometer at room temperature. SEM/EDS and optical microscope were used to examine the wear properties, distribution of reinforcement, and micro structural phases, respectively. Results indicated that the addition of RHC particles can strengthen the anti-wear and friction reduction properties of Ni-MMC. The addition of 3 wt% RHC resulted in the lowest value for the coefficient of friction and wear rate. Further expansion of MoS 2 and graphite along 3 wt% RHC, both the wear rate and coefficient of friction all decrease. At the same time, the value depends on the content of elements like aluminum and copper in MMCs.