Experimental investigation on the influence of SiC particulate reinforcement in aluminium alloy composites

Abstract

In the present study, an attempt is made to synthesize Al—Si alloy—SiC particle reinforced composite using liquid metallurgy route and to characterize the composites in terms of microstructure, mechanical properties, and sliding wear behaviour. The composite shows uniform distribution of SiC particles and good interface bonding between SiC particles and the metallic matrix. The sliding wear behaviour is studied using pin-on-disc apparatus against EN32 steel disc at different applied loads and constant sliding speed. The results show that the composite exhibits higher wear resistance, higher seizure pressure, less frictional heating, greater seizure temperature, and marginally lower coefficient of friction when compared with the alloy irrespective of applied load and sliding speed.