The tribological properties of Al-Cu/SiCp metal-matrix composites fabricated using the rheocasting technique

This paper reports the outcome of an investigation into the tribological (f riction and wear) properties of a group of aluminium alloy-based SiC partic ulate reinforced metal-matrix composites (MMCs). These MMCs (Al-4.5Cu/SiCp) were fabricated using the rheocasting process. The amount of SiC particula tes was kept at 13 vol%. A series of unlubricated pin-on-disk tests was car ried out to examine the tribological characteristics of this group of MMCs. In general, at a sliding speed of 1 m/s and normal loads ranging from 30 t o 70 N, the rate of wear increased with increasing applied normal load. Mor e specifically, the rheocast samples exhibited a better wear resistance at higher loads when compared to MMCs having the same composition but fabricat ed using the powder metallurgy route incorporating mechanical alloying. The wear resistance of rheocast composites has also been found to be comparabl e to commercially available composites of similar composition, suggesting t hat the rheocasting process used in the present study can produce quality c omposites for tribological applications. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.