Mechanical and Wear Properties of SiC/Graphite Reinforced Al359 Alloy-based Metal Matrix Composite

Al359 alloy was reinforced with Silicon Carbide and Silicon Carbide/Graphite particles using stir casting process. Thereafter their mechanical and wear properties were investigated. It was found that the hardness of the Al359-Silicon Carbide composite is better than Al359-Silicon Carbide-Graphite composite. The Silicon Carbide/Graphite reinforced composite exhibits a superior ultimate tensile strength against Silicon Carbide reinforced composite. The wear test was conducted at different loading, sliding velocities and sliding distances conditions. Results showed that the wear resistance of Al359 alloy increased with the reinforcement of Silicon Carbide/Graphite material for higher loading, sliding velocities and sliding distance conditions. SEM images of the worn surface of the pin were examined to study their wear mechanism.Defence Science Journal, Vol. 65, No. 4, July 2015, pp. 330-338, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14429/dsj.65.867