Dry sliding wear of Al alloy/SiCp functionally graded composites: Influence of processing conditions

The influence of centrifugal casting processing parameters on the wear of Al alloy/SiCp functionally graded composites was studied. A non-commercial Al alloy (Al–10Si–4.5Cu–2Mg) was selected to be the matrix of the composites and the reinforcing particles were β-SiCp with an average grain size of 37.8 μm. Al–SiCp functionally graded metal matrix composites (FGMMC's) were centrifuged with radial geometry, using two different mould rotating speeds (1500 and 2000 rpm). By centrifugal casting a gradient in the distribution of SiC particles across the thickness of the cast ring was obtained. The sliding wear behaviour was studied using a ball-on-ring configuration (sliding wear parameters: 3 N, 0.5 ms−1, 1800 m, room temperature) with a high-carbon chromium steel ball (AISI 52100) as counterbody. A good correlation was evidenced between the dry sliding behaviour of functionally graded aluminium matrix composites and the distribution of SiC reinforcing particles. The dominant wear mechanisms were identified and correlated with the microstructure of the functionally graded composites.