Microstructures and Properties of the Copper‐Coated SiC_p Reinforced Al–Si Alloy Composites

Copper‐coated silicon carbide (SiC) particles have been developed to improve the strength and wear resistance of Al–Si matrix composites, which are utilized in brake pads and, hence find applications in aerospace and automobile industries. Copper‐coated SiC powder is prepared by electroless plating and is characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction. Copper‐coated SiCp reinforced Al–Si composites are prepared by a powder metallurgy method, and their microstructures and properties are compared with those of Al–Si and Al–Si–Cu matrix composites reinforced with SiCp without copper coating. Our results show that the copper‐coated SiC_p‐reinforced Al–Si composite exhibits advantageous mechanical properties and better frictional wear resistance.