Abstract

In the present study, preparation of Al 336/ (0-10) wt. % SiCp composites were done using stir casting method. The microstructure features of Al 336 alloy showed α- aluminium and eutectic silicon. Apart from α- aluminium and eutectic silicon, SiC particles were found to be uniformly distributed in Al 336 - 5 wt. % SiCp and Al 336 - 10 wt. % SiCp composites. Ultimate tensile strength of Al 336 - 10 wt. % SiCp composites ( 241 MPa ) was found to be highest compared to Al 336 - 5 wt. % SiCp ( 192 MPa ) and Al 336 alloy ( 130 MPa ) respectively. The hardness value of Al 336 -10 wt. % SiCp composite ( 76 BHN ) was found to be the highest compared to Al 336- 5 wt. % SiCp composite ( 64 BHN ) and Al 336 alloy ( 50 BHN ) respectively. Wear characteristics of Al 336/ (0-10) wt. % SiCp composites were done using Pin on disc configuration. It was found that as the load increases from 10 N to 30N, the wear loss of Al 336/ (0-10) wt. % SiCp composites were found to increase and is attributed to increased metallic intimacy. As the sliding velocity increases from 1 m/s to 4 m/s, it was noticed that the wear loss of Al 336/ (0-10) wt. % SiCp composites were found to be decreasing, and is attributed to less time of contact between the aspirities of the mating surfaces. The wear resistance of Al 336 - 10 wt. % SiCp composites was found to be better compared to Al 336 - 5 wt. % SiCp composites and Al 336 alloy respectively.