Tribological Studies on Al-SiC composite and Al-Si alloy

Among the materials of tribological importance, Aluminium-silicon composites have received extensive attention for practical as well as fundamental reasons. This investigation describes about the wear characteristics of Al-Si alloys and Al-SiC composite using particle erosion test and pin-on-disc wear test at room temperature. Here Si and SiC, having 10% and 5% (weight percentages) are taken with Aluminium by stir casting method. It is found that addition of silicon/ silicon carbide improves the wear resistance, machinability, and corrosion resistance. It has been found that the wear rate is strongly dependent on impact angle of erodent, impact pressure and velocity (in case of particle erosion); and applied load, sliding speed, alloy composition (in case of sliding wear). Erosion wear behavior is also been affected with the hardness. It is observed, Al-SiC particulate composite bears higher hardness than that of Al-10%Si alloy. Maximum erosion has taken place at 90° angle of impingement and the erosion amount is less with Al-SiCp than that of Al-10%Si alloy. From experiment it is conclude that Al-Si alloys and Al-SiC composite can use as a potential structural material