Investigation on Microstructure, Wear Behavior and Microhardness of Al−Si/SiC Nanocomposite

Aluminum matrix nano-composites have been widely used in various fields such as aerospace, automobile, and packing industries. In this study, the effect of nano-SiC content on the microst-ructure, wear resistance and micro-hardness of Al–Si/SiC nano-composite was investigated. In this regard, Al–Si matrix was reinforced by different amounts of nano-SiC: 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 3, 5, 10 wt %. The results showed that with increasing the nano-SiC weight ratio, nano-particles are agglomerated and unsuitable sintering increases the porosity, as pores and cavities. For more than 1.5% weight ratio of nano-SiC in the matrix, the wear resistance and the micro-hardness decreased. The results of the wear test, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and worn surfaces showed that the dominant wear mechanism is controlled by nano-SiC contents. This study indicated that with adding nano-SiC particles more than the optimal content, wear resistance and micro-hardness of Al–Si/SiC nano-composite increased more than twice. © 2018, Allerton Press, Inc.