TRIBOLOGICAL BEHAVIOUR OF ALUMINIUM COMPOSITES

In this study tribological behavior of Aluminum metal powder composite reinforced with SiC particles has been evaluated experimentally prepared by Powder Metallurgy route. Four number Cylindrical preforms (SiC-0 wt. %, 5wt. %, 8 wt. % ) at a compaction pressure of 120 KN were prepared using a die and punch assembly on a Universal Testing Machine. The sliding wear behavior of cylindrical sample diameter 12mm was performed on a pin-on-disc wear tester against an EN- 32 steel disc (10 KN applied the load, distance 2300 M at 300 rpm) under dry ambient conditions. Hardness is measured using Rockwell's Hardness machine at 100 kg load applied at ball point. The microstructural characterization done by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to investigate the grain structure. Densification and hardness of specimen are increased with the increase of SiC percentage and sintering temperature. Wear decreases with the increase of SiC contents and sintering temperature when experimented. SEM test confirm uniformly distribution of SiC particles in Al matrix.