Abstract
$Al-SiC_{p}$ composite layer was prepared by plasma thermal spray on aluminum substrate. The homogeneously dispersed composite powder for thermal spray was fabricated by mechanical alloying with ball mill. The friction tests of the composite layers and commercial aluminum alloys for comparison were performed in the temperature range of 20∼$260^{\circ}C$ with the interval of $40^{\circ}C$ with steel counter-face. Friction coefficient was recorded during test sequence, and the microstructure of surface and debris was investigated by optical and scanning electron microscope. Friction coefficients of composite and aluminum alloys at room temperature were similar except pure aluminum. As the temperature increase, friction coefficient was increased rapidly in AC4C, AC2A. But friction coefficient of $Al-SiC_{p}$ composite was not increased so much up to $220^{\circ}C$. Consequently, the reinforcement of $SiC_{p}$ into aluminum matrix increased the stability of friction coefficient as well as wear resistance.