Sintering and properties of new P/M aluminium alloys and composites

The conventional Powder Metallurgy (P/M) manufacturing route with pressing, sintering and sizing allows the near net shape fabrication of precision parts made from many different alloy systems. The automotive industry is the most lucrative market for P/M aluminium. However, the low wear resistance, compared to other materials, hampers its application in components where wear resistance is important. Therefore, in the past different P/M aluminium alloys, especially designed for sintering and reinforced with silicon or hard ceramic particulates (e.g. alumina, silicon carbide) were developed. In this study, the mechanical and tribological behaviour of composites reinforced with sharp edged ceramic particles and spherical fly ash particles was investigated. The wear resistance was evaluated during sliding against hard steel ball under lubricating conditions at elevated temperatures.