The tribological properties of A356-SiC _p metal-matrix composites fabricated by thixomoulding technique

Abstract In this study, A356-SiC _p metal-matrix composites were produced through thixomoulding process, and these composites were subjected to wear tests. The composites containing various volume fractions of SiC _p particles (5%, 10%, 15% and 20%) as the reinforcement were produced at two different temperatures of 590°C and 600°C. The influences of processing temperatures and reinforcement ratio on the properties and wear behaviour of the composites were investigated. Prior to the wear tests, microstructural properties and hardness of the composites were determined. For the wear tests, a pin-on-disc-type wear apparatus was employed to carry out the wear tests. The wear tests were carried out at 2.0 m/s sliding speed under 15 N load and for four different sliding distances. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to examine the wear mechanisms on the worn surfaces of the composites. The results indicated that sphericity rate and hardness of the composites produced at 590°C were higher than those of the composites produced at 600°C. In addition, the composites produced at 590°C exhibited lower weight loss and friction coefficient.