Abrasive and slurry wear behavior of chilled aluminum alloy (A356) reinforced with fused silica (SiO2p) metal matrix composites

This paper describes the fabrication and testing of aluminum alloy MMCs reinforced with fused silica particles cast in sand moulds containing metallic and nonmetallic chills. Fused silica particles of size 50-100 mu m were dispersed (3-12 wt.%) into the matrix. The resulting composites cast were tested for their microstructure, strength, hardness, and wear behavior. Microstructural studies indicate good bonding along with uniform distribution of the dispersoid. Strength, hardness and wear resistance increase up to 9 wt.% additions of dispersoid and copper chill was found to be the best because of its high volumetric heat capacity. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.