Preparation and property enhancement of SiC particle-reinforced aluminum matrix composites based on Micro-arc Oxidation

Abstract

Aluminum matrix composites (AMC) is a powerful material that responds to the needs of modern science. It is characterized by high specific strength and good wear resistance. Micro-arc Oxidation (MAO) is a surface modification technology that generates a dense ceramic layer in-situ on the surface of a metallic material to improve the material properties. In this study, AMC was prepared by powder metallurgy (PM) technique by adding SiC reinforcing particles in Al matrix, and then the AMC was treated with MAO. The mechanical properties of the samples are evaluated by metal bending test as well as hardness tester. The wear and corrosion resistance of the samples was evaluated by tribological tests as well as electrochemical tests. The test results showed that the AMC prepared by adding SiC particles increased the ultimate flexural strength by 1.5 times to 2117N and the hardness by 1.6 times to 57.6 HV1.0. For the friction performance, the width of the wear marks was reduced by 40.29% and the depth by 71.79%, and for the corrosion resistance, the corrosion current was reduced by 70.21%. The MAO treatment provides effective protection for the AMC, and the coating provides a physical barrier that further enhances AMC performance. The bending resistance has been increased by 1.2 times to 2571N and the hardness by 1.5 times to 86.1 HV1.0. For the friction performance, the width of the wear marks was reduced by 24.06% and the depth by 46.15%, and for the corrosion resistance, the corrosion current was reduced by 25.11%. Surface modification of AMC improves the service life and application range of AMC, which is expected to promote the development of marine transportation and shipbuilding industry.