Publication

Abstract : Functionally graded aluminium (Al-Si5Cu3) metal matrix composite reinforced with 10 wt-percent of boron carbide particles having average size of 33 µm was synthesized through horizontal centrifugal casting method. The specimen of length 150 mm and outer diameter of 154 mm with the thickness of 20 mm was produced under the centrifuging speed of 1000 rpm. Composite specimens were prepared as per ASTM standards from the casting and subjected to microstructural evaluation, hardness testing and three body abrasion wear test. The microstructural observation was done on the surfaces at the distance of 1, 2.5, 10 and 15 mm from the outer periphery of the casting and the result shows that larger amount of particles observed at distance of 2.5 mm and very less particles observed at the distance of 15 mm. The hardness test was conducted on the different surfaces in the radial direction from the outer periphery and found decrease in hardness from 2.5 to 15 mm. The abrasion wear test was conducted using dry abrasion tester for various loads of 28, 40 and 52 N at different distances from the outer periphery of the casting and the results revealed that wear rate gradually increases when moving towards the inner periphery and also with the increasing load. Therefore higher wear resistance was observed at the outer periphery and the lower wear resistance was obtained at the inner periphery. This property makes them suitable for using in wear applications such as in cylinder liners.