Microstructural Characteristics and Mechanical Properties of A356- SiCp Composites Fabricated by Mechanical Stirring Process; Effect of Stirring Temperature

Abstract- In the present study, A356-10 vol.% SiCp composites were developed via mechanical stirring process. Mechanical stirring was conducted at different temperatures of 590, 600, 610 and 620°C for 20 min. The influence of stirring temperature on the microstructural characteristics, hardness and dry sliding wear characteristics of produced composites were assessed. The structural observations demonstrated that the distribution of SiC particles in the matrix was greatly improved by decreasing stirring temperature. The density measurements showed that the amount of porosity in the composite samples increased with increasing stirring temperature. Results of mechanical tests demonstrated an increase in the hardness and wear resistance of samples when stirring temperature was declined. Finally, the role of microstructural features in improving the wear resistance of the composites was discussed. Keywords - , , , .