INVESTIGATION OF WEAR AND MICROSTRUCTURAL PROPERTIES OF A356/ TiC COMPOSITES FABRICATED BY FSP

Abstract

Al–Si alloys are commonly utilized in the production of automobile components, including pistons and cylinders. Although this alloy offers desirable features for usage in pistons, several microstructural characteristics, such as the presence of needle-like silicones or dendrites, impair the performance of the parts produced. In this study, TiC reinforcement particulates were employed to generate matrix composites via friction stir processing (FSP) to increase the wear resistance of Al–Si alloys. The microstructural characteristics of the nugget zone of FSPed specimens were studied. The results reveal that the FSP improves the base alloy microstructural characteristics. The particle distribution and quality of the bonding between the TiC particles and the aluminum matrix were investigated using SEM. The hardness and wear tests were performed to establish the mechanical and wear properties of the particle reinforced composites. The hardness test results showed that the produced composites had a hardness of 144[Formula: see text]HV, which shows a growth of almost 220% compared to the base metal. The pin-on-disc wear test was carried out with sliding speeds of 1 and 2[Formula: see text]m/s, and loads of 5, 10 and 20[Formula: see text]N. The wear test results showed that the wear resistance of the produced particle-reinforced composite compared to the base alloy was improved by about 540%.