Effects of particle size and surface modification of SiC on the wear behavior of high volume fraction Al/SiCp composites

Abstract

Aluminum matrix composites with a high SiC particle volume fraction (55 vol%) have been fabricated by utilizing an innovative liquid pressing process. The microstructure of the fabricated composites was investigated. The effects of interface oxidation and reinforcement particle size on sliding wear behavior were studied using the pin-on-disk test against SAE 52100 steel counterfaces. The different wear behaviors of high volume fraction Al/SiC composites were compared to low volume fraction composites. Larger reinforcement shows improved wear resistance because it helps composites maintain rigidity under severe shear deformation. In addition, the SiC interface modification increased the wear resistance of the composites by preventing the formation of interfacial cracks between the matrix and reinforcement. The results of this study present the enhancement of the wear properties through interface modification of high volume fraction-reinforced metal matrix composites.