Regeneration of Aluminum Matrix Composite Reinforced by SiCp and GCsf Using Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Technology.

Katarzyna Łyczkowska,Jakub Wieczorek,Anna Janina Dolata,Janusz Adamiec,Maciej Dyzia

doi:10.3390/ma14216410

Abstract

The main motivation behind the presented research was the regeneration of the damaged surface of composite materials. The testing of melting and pad welding of the composite surface by Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) with alternating current (AC) were carried out. The material of investigation was an AlSi12/SiCp + GCsf hybrid composite made by a centrifugal casting process. The composite was reinforced with 5 wt.% of silicon carbide particles and 5 wt.% of glassy carbon spheres. The composites were investigated in tribological tests. It was found that there was a possibility for modification or regeneration of the surface with pad welding technology. Recommended for the repairs was the pad welding method with filler metal with a chemical composition similar to the aluminum matrix composite (ISO 18273 S Al4047A (AlSi12 [A])). The surface of the pad welding was characterized by the correct structure with visible SiCp. No gases or pores were observed in the pad welding; this was due to a better homogeneity of the silicon carbide (SiCp) distribution in the composite and better filling spaces between liquid metal particles in comparison to the base material. Based on the tribological tests, it was found that the lowest wear was observed for the composite surface after pad welding. This was related to the small number of reinforcing particles and their agreeable bonding with the matrix. The plastic deformation of the Al matrix and scratching by worn particles were a dominant wear mechanism of the surface.

Highlights

Due to its technological solution, the Friction Stir Welding (FSW) method is recommended for welding elements with specific dimensions, which significantly limits the regeneration possibilities of damaged areas
Aluminum matrix composites made by centrifugal casting are characterized by a complex and heterogeneous structure
This particle is and glassy carbon particles were distributed in the matrix, in the distribution middle zone, characteristic of centrifugal casting, and it is a result of the density of the individual

Summary

Introduction

Aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) are common materials that are applied in many fields of industry, such as automotive, aerospace, electricity, chemical, etc., due to their unique properties [1,2,3]. The most used reinforcement phases are oxides (Al2 O3 , ZrO2 , SiO2 ), carbides (SiC, TiC, B4 C, ZrC), and nitrides (Si3 N4 ) [4]. The presence of these phases in strict proportion (normally between 5 and 30 wt.%) leads to an increase in material properties [1,4,5,6,7]

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Conclusion