Wear Behavior of Al-Si Alloy Matrix Composites Reinforced with SiC Particles

Abstract

The aim of the present work is to study a dry sliding wear behavior of (Al – 12wt % Si) alloy reinforced with 5wt% SiC particles. Metal matrix composite samples were prepared by stir casting using vortex technique and squeeze casting under varying casting pressures from 7.5 to 53MPa , and mold preheated at temperature (200^oC). Pin-on-Disk wear tests were conducted at varying loads from 5 to 20 N under a constant sliding speed of 2.7 m / sec. The results showed microstructure refinement with increasing the squeeze pressure. This correlated with increased hardness and reduced wear rate. It was also determined that the composites produced by squeeze casting had better wear resistance than of stir casting