Wear Evaluation of SiCp Reinforced Al Matrix Composites Coatings

Abstract

Thermal spray technology provides wear-resistant coating on the surface of mechanical components. In this study, wear characteristics of SiCp reinforced Al matrix composite coatings were evaluated. SiCp reinforced Al matrix composite coatings were fabricated using the mixed powders which have different fraction of the SiC reinforcement, 0, 20, 40 and 60 vol% on Al 6061 substrate by thermal spray process. Dry sliding wear tests were performed on these coatings using varied sliding speeds and applied loads. Wear behavior of these Al-based composite coatings were investigated using scanning electron microscope(SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDX) and X-ray diffraction(XRD). The composites coatings reinforced with 40 vol% of SiC particles showed the most excellent wear resistance. Although the wear rate increased according to the increase in the applied load, it decreased according to the increase in the sliding speed. The major wear behavior of the SiCp reinforced Al matrix composite coatings is transferred from the adhesive wear to the abrasive wear according to the increase in the sliding speed and the applied load. These results were significantly influenced by the formation of mechanical mixed layer(MML).