Tensile and wear properties of aluminum composites

Abstract

Beryl/Al–Si–Mg composites containing 2.0–10.0% of beryl particles have been fabricated by squeeze casting. Pressure of 80 MPa was maintained during solidification in a specially designed die and punch maintained at 400 °C. The tensile and wear properties have been evaluated and compared with gravity cast beryl–aluminum composites. The squeeze cast composites show a peak strength of 216 MPa showing an increase of 11.6% in tensile strength. The new composites also have improved wear resistance when compared to gravity cast composites. Squeeze cast composites with 6 wt.% of beryl particles showed almost 1.2 times reduced adhesive wear rate at 2400 m sliding distance when compared to that at 600 m.