The effect of ceramic reinforcement on the Microstructure, Mechanical properties and Dry sliding wear behavior of hypo-eutectic Al-Si-Mg alloy

Abstract

In this study, Al-Si-Mg alloy A356.0 was reinforced with varied percentage of Alumina by liquid metallurgy route and tested for microstructure, mechanical properties. Wear tests were conducted using Pin-on-Disc apparatus at a constant sliding velocity of 1m/s and pressure of 0.35MPa. Microstructure revealed uniform distribution of reinforcement in the matrix resulting in improved mechanical properties and wear resistance compared to un-reinforced material. The ceramic reinforced alloys were found to have improvement in mechanical properties and wear resistance compared to as-cast A356.0 which may be attributed to the improved bonding of reinforcement in the matrix.