Structure and properties of aluminium-silicon matrix composites manufactured by pressure infiltration method

Purpose: The goal of the paper is to develop technologies for manufacturing composite materials with casting aluminum alloy matrix reinforced by silicon AN AC-AlSi12 and to investigate the effect of the amount of the pore forming agent in the form of graphite MG 192 on the structure and properties of porous ceramic skeleton infiltrated with liquid aluminum alloy. Design/methodology/approach: The composite was manufactured by the use of porous material pressure infiltration method. Hardness test was carried out with Rockwell method in A scale. The wear resistance was measured by the use of TSM Instruments Tribometer. The tribomiter allows to realize dry friction wear mechanism conditions. Additionally the examinations on stereomicroscope of wear tracks were made. Findings: Composite materials reinforced by porous skeleton manufactured on the base Al2O3 particles show superior in mechanical properties and wear resistance than the aluminum alloy EN AC-AlSi12 constituting the matrix. The developed composite materials also have better wear resistance compared to the matrix. Practical implications: Tested composite materials can be applied in many industry branches, among others, in the automotive, aerospace industry and in manufacturing of professional sports equipment. Originality/value:The investigation results shows that the worked out technology of composite materials manufacturing can find the practical application in the production of near net shape and locally reinforced elements.