Structure and Tribological Properties of the AO20-1 Alloy–Ti2NbAl Intermetallic Compound Composite Material

The structure and tribological properties (coefficient of friction, wear) of the composite material based on a commercial AO20-1 aluminum alloy reinforced with Ti2NbAl intermetallic particles have been analyzed. Structures of various degrees of dispersity are formed upon melt crystallization in a copper or graphite mold. The composite material formed in the copper mold is found to be characterized by a more disperse granular structure and a better intermetallic particle distribution. The wear intensity and the coefficient of friction of the composite material decrease by ≈2.5 times in comparison with the AO20-1 matrix alloy. When the test load increases, the coefficient of friction of the modified alloy decreases insignificantly.