Gravel powder effect in reinforced aluminum alloy matrix composite

In the present study, the effect of gravel powder content on both mechanical and wear properties of Al alloy matrix composite were investigated. Aluminum with 4 vol% copper particles were used as the matrix and reinforced by 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 vol% gravel powder. Powder metallurgy route is used to manufacture the composites. The composite samples were characterized by utilizing a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyses, and elemental mapping analysis. The wear test was obtained under the different time of 10, 20, and 30 min at a constant load of 20 N. The results showed that the composites density decreases, and the porosity increases with improving in gravel powder content. Furthermore, it was found improving in hardness, diametral compressive strength, and wear resistance by enhancement in gravel powder content. Whereas increasing in wear time results deterioration in wear resistance. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.