DefinePK

Abstract

Aluminum metal matrix composite (Pure Aluminum / Boron Carbide) was cast through stir casting technique. The processing of the casting was achieved with the influence of different metallic chill materials (Stainless Steel 304, Cast iron and Copper). Three body sand abrasive wear tests were performed at the chill side of the casting to analyze the chilling effect on the abrasive wear behavior of the composites. The experiments were conducted at room temperature using sand abrasive wear testing machine as per ASTM G 65-81 standards using silica sand of 312 microns as an abrasive medium. Speed of 200 rpm was kept constant for all the tests and the parameters such as load (10, 20, 30 N) and time (15, 30, 45 min) were varied for three levels. From the obtained results, it is observed that the wear rate is mainly affected by the use of end chills and also by the applied load and time. Copper chilled composites show lower wear rate than the stainless steel and cast iron chilled composites. The optical microscope was used to analyze the worn surfaces and wear mechanism.