Mechanical and dry sliding wear properties of silicon carbide particulate reinforced aluminium-copper alloy matrix composites produced by direct squeeze casting method

In this study, the microstructural features, mechanical properties and dry sliding wear characteristics of Al-4.5Cu-3Mg/15 vol.% SiCp matrix composites, manufactured by squeeze casting technique, were investigated. Wear tests were carried out at 0.5, 1 and 2.0 m/s sliding speeds under the loads of 5, 10, and 15 N for a 1000 m sliding distance versus AISI D2 steel disc. The results showed that, the composites have homogeneously distributed porosity free SiC particles. The failure in composites occurs in both matrix and particles simultaneously implying good bonding between matrix and particles. Friction coefficient of the composites decreased with an increase in the applied load and the sliding speed. In addition, the higher the applied load and the faster the sliding speed are, the higher the wear rate is. SEM analysis indicated that worn surfaces consisted of plastically deformed and oxidized particles removed by the micro-machining effects of the reinforcement phase.