Wear Properties of Al-Gr Composites Produced Using Liquid Homogenization Followed by Cold Press-Sintering

To produce aluminum-matrix composite reinforced with graphite particles, mixing of pure aluminum and graphite powders by a new method, called homogenization in liquid phase, was used. The graphite content was chosen from zero to 4.5wt.% in this study. Composite samples were produced using the mixed powder by way cold-press sintering under different pressure, temperature and time. The specimen microstructures were investigated by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). To evaluate the mechanical properties of samples, hardness and wear tests were performed. According to the results, homogenization in liquid phase method caused significant improvement in distribution of graphite particles in the matrix and the addition of 2.5wt.% graphite in the matrix. Improved mechanical properties to great extent.