Wear properties of 10 vol.% silicon carbide particulate-reinforced aluminum composite fabricated by powder injection molding

Wear properties of aluminum matrix composites reinforced with silicon carbide particulate of 10 vol.% addition was investigated in as-sintered and heat-treated conditions under varying loads at -5, -25, -45 and -65N using a ball on flat type of wear test. The composite was fabricated by powder injection molding and sintering at 650 °C for 3 hours. Solution treatment was carried out at 550 °C for 2 hours followed by age-hardening at 160 °C for 6 hours. SEM and XRD results indicated Al and SiC_p are present as matrix and reinforcement, while AlN, Al₂Cu and Mg₂Si were also detected. Further precipitation of Al₂Cu and Mg₂Si in heat-treated samples promoted maximum macro and micro Vickers hardness values, which were achieved at 161 and 157 H_v respectively. Wear weight loss increased with increasing minus load level. The coefficient of friction was found in the range of 0.042-0.048. Wear mechanisms were determined as the combination of abrasive, adhesion and oxidation. (paper)