Microstructure and Wear Behavior of $SiC_p-reinforced$ Aluminum Matrix Composites Fabricated by Spray Casting Process

분사주조한 $SiC_p$ 입자강화 알루미늄 복합재료의 미세조직과 마멸특성

The $SiC_p-reinforced$ preforms fabricated by spray casting process were hot-extruded and subsequently T6-treated, and the morphology of the silicon phase and the grain size for these preforms and extruded samples were examined by Image Analyzer. Experimental observation revealed that with increase in volume percent of SiC particles, the grain size and silicon phase of the $Al-Si/SiC_p$ composites become finer, the shape of Si phase is changed from blocky to granular type, and aspect ratio of Si phase tend to become unity. Wear-tests with various sliding velocities, show that the wear resistance of spray cast specimen is increased remarkably compare to the permanent mold cast specimen at the sliding velocity range of $1.98{\sim}2.38m/sec$.. Microstructural observations for the worn surfaces of specimens revealed that wear resistance of Al-Si alloys at certain sliding velocities could be improved not only by the fine grain size of aluminum matrix but also the fine size and granular shape of silicon phases. The wear resistance of $SiC_p$ reinforced aluminum composites was found to be sensitive to the volume percentage of the reinforcing particles. The worn surfaces with various sliding velocities, show that change in wear mechanism seems to occur at the sliding velocity of near 2m/sec for all samples, and such a change in mechanism is delayed with increase in $SiC_p$ volume fraction.