Interface analysis and wear behavior of Ni particulate reinforced aluminum-silicon composites produced by PM

Nickel particulate reinforced aluminum-silicon (AlSi) composites, with 5, 12.5 and 20 wt.% Ni were produced by a hot-pressing route. Microstructural characterization showed a uniform distribution of the Ni particulates in the AlSi matrix. EDS and XRD analyses revealed that the particle/matrix interface was formed by Al3Ni intermetallic. Reciprocating pin-on-plate wear tests were performed with AlSi and AlSi-Ni pins against a gray cast iron (GCI) counterface. It was observed that the wear behavior of the AlSi-Ni/GCI tribopair is improved when compared with the AlSi/GCI system.