Investigation of Tribological Properties of SiC-Reinforced Al6013 Matrix Composites Produced by Stir Casting Method

Abstract

In this study, Al6013-SiC composites were produced by the stir casting method under nitrogen gas. The density, porosity, Vickers hardness, mass loss, wear rate, and microstructure of the composites were investigated which was produced by adding SiC to scrap Al6013 matrix material at reinforcement rates of 5, 10, and 15 wt%. Among Al6013-SiC composites, the lowest porosity (5.35%), the highest Vickers hardness (169±3 HV), the lowest mass loss (1.1 mg), and wear rate (0.840×10^-7 mm³/Nm) were obtained in the Al6013-10%SiC composite. SEM analysis observed that SiC particles agglomerated at a 15% SiC reinforcement rate. Consequently, it was determined that SiC reinforcement at certain rates (up to 10%) improved the tribological properties of the Al6013 matrix material.