Fabrication, microstructure, mechanical properties and wear behavior of Al/Cu-SiCw composite

Abstract

This research investigates the production of Cu-SiCw composites by using gas pressure infiltration method and the production of Al/Cu-SiCw composite by using the cold rolling method. The layers were bonded by three rolling reductions of 40 %, 50 %, and 60 %. The microstructures of composites before and after roll bonding were discussed based on SEM and EBSD images. Less agglomeration of whiskers was seen after higher rolling reductions which indicates better distribution of reinforcement in copper. In addition, no decomposition and reaction were observed in Cu-SiCw. The effect of rolling reductions on hardness, wear behavior, and tensile properties was also investigated. Hardness, yield, and ultimate strengths increased at higher rolling reductions. The yield and ultimate strengths increased from 118 MPa to 227 MPa after a 40 % rolling reduction to 150 MPa and 263 MPa after a 60 % rolling reduction. The measured friction coefficient and mass loss showed better wear resistance of composites at higher rolling reductions because the layers became hardened. The mass loss decreases from 6.46 mg after a 40 % rolling reduction to 5.42 mg after a 60 % rolling reduction. Worn surfaces based on SEM images showed shallower grooves and less remaining debris.

Keywords

• Gas pressure infiltration
• Cold roll bonding
• Wear characteristics
• Hardness test
• Ceramic reinforcement