Evaluation of Mechanical and Tribological Behavior of Al–4 %Cu–x %SiC Composites Prepared Through Powder Metallurgy Technique

This article presents characterization of 99.85 % pure aluminum with 4 % copper, reinforced with varying proportions of silicon carbide. Al–Cu–SiC metal matrix composite (MMC’s) are prepared by powder metallurgy route for 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5 and 15 % of SiC addition. To investigate the effects of adding SiC particles, microstructural analysis and mechanical properties by micro-hardness, compression, wear and thermal conductivity are studied. Scanning electron microscope image shows uniform distribution of particulates. Results show that upon increasing addition of SiC particles, micro-hardness and compression strength increases, whereas thermal conductivity decreases. Wear rate increases till 7.5 % SiC addition, with further addition of SiC, wear rate increases due to the un-bonding of SiC particles from the MMC, aiding in the increase of wear rate. Addition of SiC up to 7.5 % play an important role in improving wear resistance, thermal and mechanical properties of Al–Cu–SiC MMC.