Influence of Interfacial Reaction on Wear Resistance of Aluminum Alloy/SiC Composites Fabricated by Low Pressure Infiltration Process

Abstract

Hybrid-MMCs have been fabricated by a low pressure infiltration method, using aluminum alloy as matrix, SiC fiber and SiC particle as reinforcements. Influences of orientation of fibers, interfacial reaction and matrix property on the wear resistance of Hybrid-MMCs have been investigated. The 3D-distribution of SiC fibers in the Hybrid-MMC are effective to prevent SiC particles from dropping out during the wear test. Thin reaction products at the interface between matrix and SiC fiber or SiC particle strengthen the interface bond, which results in an increase in the wear resistance of the Hybrid-MMC. The wear resistance can be improved by the formation of interfacial reaction layer and an age-hardening of the matrix. Volume expansion of the matrix accompanied by the age-hardening of the matrix increases the interface bond strength. The strengthened interface bond protects the reinforcements from dropping out and results in a superior wear resistance of the MMC.