Characterisation of SiC reinforced aluminium matrix composites for engine cylinder liner application

Abstract

Aluminium matrix composites are finding increased applications in automotive industry due to its lightweight nature and improved mechanical and tribological properties. The present material used for Liners is Cast Iron. The tribological properties of CI are poor which leads to  friction losses leading to inefficiency of Engine. This paper focuses on preparation of SiC reinforced Aluminium 2024 matrix composite of Weight percentages of 2,4,6 and 8 respectively by Stir Casting followed by Heat treatment and testing the properties of Density, Tensile Strength, Hardness, Wear Resistance, Coefficient of friction and Thermal Conductivity. The experimental values from the test results are compared against Conventional Cast Iron. It is been observed that 8% reinforced Al- SiC performs better than Cast Iron in all the tests