Spray Forming and Tribological Behaviour of SiC Particle Reinforced A1-Si Alloy

Abstract

We are emphasizing our work on near eutectic Al-Si alloys. In the present study spray forming route is adopted to manufacture SiC particle reinforced LM13 alloy. Tribologic properties of these alloy under dry sliding were analyzed experimentally. Dry sliding wear behaviour of LM13 alloy and its composites reinforced with SiC particles was studied using a pin-on-disc machine. EN31 steel was used as the disc material in the wear tester. Tests were done at 50°C and 75°C temperature under the load of 2.5kg, 3.5kg and 4.5kg at a constant sliding speed of 1.6ms-1. composites exhibit better wear resistance compared to the unreinforced alloy, as-spray formed and as-cast alloy. Sn is also added in molten LM13 alloy as a microstructure modifier in different percentage. X-ray diffraction analysis exhibited all the phases present in the spray-deposit perform. The microstructure evolution of spray cast alloy and overspray powders are discussed. Hardness of all the spray form composites and as-cast material is tested. Worn surfaces and wear debris were also examined by using SEM . Analysis of worn surfaces and wear debris indicated that dominant wear mechanisms of as-cast LM13 alloy and its composite.