Tribological Characterization of Hybrid Metal Matrix Composites Processed by Powder Metallurgy

doi:10.1007/s40195-017-0568-5

Abstract

Abstract:

Aluminum (Al)-based aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) and silicon carbide (SiC) particles hybrid metal matrix composites were processed by powder metallurgy technique, followed by sintering at 500 °C and then hot extrusion. The tribological properties of these composites with different weight fractions of Al₂O₃ and SiC were investigated; extrusion process significantly reduces the extent of porosity after cold compaction and sintering processes. Hybridization of the two reinforcements improved hardness and wear resistance of the composites. With an increase in SiC content, hardness was increased and consequently the wear resistance was enhanced also. Scanning electron microscopy observations show a better interfacial bond between matrix and reinforcements and a better distribution of the reinforcements.

Key words: Hybrid metal matrix composite, Powder metallurgy, Abrasive wear, Hardness, Porosity

M. Megahed, M. A. Attia, M. Abdelhameed, A. G. El-Shafei. Tribological Characterization of Hybrid Metal Matrix Composites Processed by Powder Metallurgy[J]. Acta Metallurgica Sinica (English Letters), 2017, 30(8): 781-790.

Figures/Tables 14

Fig. 1 SEM images of the aluminum oxide particles

Fig. 2 SEM images of the aluminum oxide particles

Fig. 3 Procedure of powder metallurgy used in processing the nonhybrid and hybrid MMCs

Table 1 Weight fraction of the particles in the hybrid metal matrix composites

Sample	SiC (wt%)	Al₂O₃ (wt%)
5SiC5Al₂O₃	5	5
5SiC25Al₂O₃	5	25
25SiC5Al₂O₃	25	5
30SiC	30	0
Pure Al	0	0

Fig. 4 Theoretical and experimental densities of the fabricated MMCs after cold compaction, sintering and extrusion processes

Fig. 5 Porosities of the fabricated MMCs after cold compaction, sintering and extrusion processes

Fig. 6 Hardness of the fabricated pure aluminum and MMCs

Fig. 7 Wear behaviors of aluminum and hybrid MMCs at load 5 N

Fig. 8 Wear behaviors of aluminum and hybrid MMCs at load 10 N

Fig. 9 SEM images a, b, EDX analysis c of hybrid 25SiC5Al2O3 composite

Fig. 10 SEM images a, b, EDX analysis c of hybrid 5SiC5Al2O3 composite

Fig. 11 SEM micrograph a, EDX analysis b of nonhybrid 30SiC composite

Fig. 12 SEM images of worn surface of hybrid MMCs (5SiC5Al2O3) at loads of 5 a, 10 N b

Fig. 13 SEM images of worn surface of hybrid MMCs (25Si5Al2O3) at loads of 5 a, 10 N b

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