Wear and machinability study of SiCp reinforced and Al2O3p reinforced Al-Si alloy composites

Abstract

Keeping in mind a range of industrial applications, the performance of Al-Si alloy reinforced with ceramics as a metal matrix composites manufactured using Stir casting technique have been investigated. Aluminum-Silicon alloys of near eutectic composition (12% Silicon by weight) and Hypereutectic (17% Silicon by weight) were the matrix materials used. The two matrix materials were processed under identical conditions using two different reinforcements Silicon Carbide (SiCP) and Aluminium Oxide (Al2O3p) in particulate form with 0, 5, 7.5 & 10 Vol%. Wear and friction coefficients were determined from dry sliding wear tests of cast Particle Reinforced Metal Matrix Composites(PMMC's) at 20, 40, 60 N test loads and at 1.42 & 2.22m/s sliding velocities. Cutting forces exerted and Surface Roughness (Ra) produced during machining of cast PMMC's with Polycrystalline Diamond (PCD) and K10 cutting inserts at 75 m/min & 118 m/min cutting speed were studied. Wear of Al2O3P reinforced alloys was around 20% higher than SiCP reinforced alloys. PCD cutting insert seems appropriate in machining Al-Si alloy composites needing lesser cutting force and producing better surface finish. � 2010 Praise Worthy Prize S.r.l.- All right reserved.