Effect of Wettability Enhancement of SiC Particles on Impact Toughness and Dry Sliding Wear Behavior of Compocasted A356/20SiCp Composites

Abstract

In this study, the effect of wettability improvement of SiCp on the impact and sliding wear behavior of A356/20 wt% SiCp composites produced by a compocasting technique has been investigated. The result showed an increase of incorporation and uniform distribution of SiCp in the A356 matrix by elimination of SiCp segregation. Desired bonding between SiCp and the aluminum matrix due to improved wettability resulted in enhanced properties in terms of improved impact toughness and wear resistance. This improvement was also associated with partial refinement of coarse eutectic silicon due to increased incorporation and distribution of SiCp reinforcements. The highest enhancement was obtained when 1% Mg was added into the melt in addition to pretreated SiCp. The impact toughness value increased by 10 and 26% and the wear rate decreased by 5 and 30% when the SiC was treated and when Mg was added, respectively, compared to as-received SiCp. The impact fracture surfaces showed fewer decohered and well-bonded SiC particles in A356–(SiC-treated-Mg) composite. The highest wear resistance of A356/SiCp composites was achieved by A356–(SiC-treated-Mg) composite for applied loads of 10 and 20 N compared to other fabricated composites. The worn surface revealed mild abrasion and adhesion wear mechanisms.