Development of functionally graded aluminium composites using centrifugal casting and influence of reinforcements on mechanical and wear properties

Functionally graded Al/B4C, Al/SiC, Al/Al2O3 and Al/TiB2 composites with constant 12% (mass fraction) of reinforcement were fabricated by centrifugal casting and hollow cylindrical components were obtained. Microstructural characteristics were investigated at outer surface of all composites and segregation of reinforcement particles was observed. Graded property of the composites with different reinforcements was investigated through hardness and tensile measurements. Results revealed that the outer peripheries of all composites exhibit higher hardness except in Al/B4C composite and the outer zones of all composites show higher tensile strength. Abrasive wear test was conducted on the outer peripheries of all composites and Al/TiB2 composite exhibits less wear rate.