Correlation of Reinforced Ceramicparticle’s Nature and Size with Microstructure and Wear Behavior of Al-Si Alloy Composite

Abstract

The present study aims to analyze the effect of particle size on nature of microstructural features and wear behavior of composite. Stir casting route has been adopted for the fabrication of aluminium matrix composite using Al-Si LM13 piston alloy. Composites have been developed by varyig the size of zircon sand particles while keeping the SiC particles of same size. Microstructural analysis shows that SiC has a pronounced effect on the microstructure and eutectic silicon refinement. Microstructure evolution is mainly governed by the thermal conductivity difference between two phase’s i.e. ceramic particle and alloy matrix. The dendritic ripening is also observed in the composites in microstructural study. EDS analysis reveals the formation of mechanically mixed layer in the composites enabling better wear properties. Fine size zircon sand particle reinforced composite exhibits better wear resistance than coarse particle at same weight percentage of reinforcement. The SiC reinforcement is better as compared to zircon sand particles for enhancing wear resistance of the composite. Silicon carbide refines the eutectic silicon whereas zircon sand provides good interfacial bonding. SEM examination of worn surface and wear debris shows that the various wear mechanism are involved in material removal.