Evaluation of Copper-Based Alloy (C93200) Composites Reinforced with Marble Dust Developed by Stir Casting under Vacuum Environment

Copper-based alloy (C93200) composites reinforced with a different weight percentage of marble dust particles (1.5, 3, 4.5, and 6 wt.%) were developed by stir casting method under vacuum environment. By using this type of reinforcement, it was possible to detect a suitable material for bearing applications. The manufactured material was characterized for its mechanical properties using a micro-hardness tester. A universal INSTRON-5967 machine was used to detect the yield and tensile strength. Further the hardness features were measured using a Walter Uhl model machine, whereby the wear characteristics were simulated under the pin-on-disc tribometer under different working conditions in ambient temperature (23 °C). Next, the preference selection index (PSI) technique that considers multi-criteria decision-making was proposed to validate which material was the best candidate. For the selection of material criteria, some specific material intrinsic properties-such as, density, void fraction, hardness resistance along with tensile, compressive, and flexural strength-were proposed and the surface characteristics linked to friction coefficients along wear properties. It was found that the novel composite material containing 4.5 wt.% of marble dust provided the best combination of properties and is a suitable candidate material for bearing applications.