Casting and Analysis of Aluminium-Silicon Alloy with Copper

Aluminium silicon alloy has been used as a material for sliding components in automobiles,
aviation and other applications. The seizure and wear resistance of aluminum alloy can be
improved by adding copper particulates. Al-Si/copper composite is used as a self-lubricating
material in various applications, where sliding parts are difficult to access for lubrication. The
main objective of this work is to fabricate an Al-Si/copper composite with better mechanical
and wear resistance properties. The aluminium silicon alloy reinforced with copper (3 wt.%)
composite was prepared through the stir casting technique. In order to improve the wettability
of copper with Al-Si alloy, copper particulates were ball milled and then incorporated into the
molten metal. The uniform distributions of copper particulates are observed in the structural investigation of the alloy. The billet was cut into pieces of diameter 10 mm & 14 mm,respectively. It has a length of 25 mm and was sent for tests. The wear rate of the Al-Si alloy and Al-Si/copper composite was investigated. orrosion-resistant and compressive properties of the alloy are better. The higher tensile properties of the alloy are due to the addition of Cu,which obstructs the dislocation movement. Corrosion and compressive properties of the alloy and composite are dependent on strain rates.