Fabrication and Tribological Behavior of Al3003-SiC Reinforced MMCs

Abstract

The world is moving in the direction of development of novel materials, there must be an alternative for everything which makes utilization of resources efficiently. In this domain, the significance of Aluminium (Al) Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs)use increased in many industrial segments.This paper mainly focuses on the tribological behavior of Al3003 alloy with is reinforced with Silicon Carbide (SiC) powderof 25μm size. The Al3003-SiCMMCs were fabricated by using liquid metallurgy technique stir casting process. The SiC reinforcements were incorporated 0 to 4.5% in the phases of 1.5% weight percent (wt%). The obtained MMC specimens were subjected to investigative studies related to density, optical andtribological properties. All the studies and experimental work were carried out in accordance to the ASTM standards. The Al3003-SiC composites theoretical and practical evaluated density values are in line with each other and increased with increase in SiC amount in Al3003 matrix material. The optical micrographs of the Al3003-SiC MMCs showed respectable bonding between matrix and reinforcement particle with minimal casting defects. The sliding wear tests have been done on Pin on Disc tribology meter at different loads varying 10 to 40N in the strides of 10Nby maintaining other tribological parameters constant. The wear test outcomes showed that higher resistance to wear was shown by Al3003-SiC composites compared to unreinforced alloy and the composite contain higher SiC amount showed highest resistance to wear.