Mechanical properties of aluminum metal matrix composites

Abstract

Aluminum matrix composites reinforced by ceramic particles are well know for their good thermo-physical and mechanical properties. As a result, during the last years, there has been a considerable interest in using aluminum metal matrix composites (MMCs) in the automobile industry. These potential applications have greatly stimulated the tribological studies of MMCs under different operating conditions. In this paper, TiB – particles - reinforced aluminum - tungsten matrix composites were fabricated by the cost – effective squeeze – casting technology and their microstructure characteristics and mechanical properties were investigated. The microstructure observation showed that the produced composites were dense, with no micro-holes and obvious defects. Their wear resistance was evaluated using a pin on disc type equipment under dry wear conditions and found significantly increased compared to pure Al metal.