WEAR PROPERTIES OF CERAMIC PARTICLE REINFORCED METAL MATRIX COMPOSITES

In this study, ceramic particle reinforced metal matrix composites were manufactured to determine their wear behaviour. Matrix powders (25 gm) were reinforced by B4C (3 mu m), SiC (1 mu m) and Al2O3 (1 mu m) with 30% volume fraction. Samples which were mixed by automatic machine showed better and homogeny microstructure. Mixed powders were compressed at 400 MPa and 615 degrees C for 30 min in an argon atmosphere. Wear tests were made at 75 N loading with 400 rpm revolution for 30 min under dry condition. The wear resistance of the B4C reinforced AA2124 matrix composite sample were higher than the other composites. After the wear tests, sample surfaces and microstructures were characterised by SEM techniques.