Fabrication and behaviour of Al-Si/SiC composite in cavitation conditions

Aluminium matrix composite (AMC) specimens were prepared using the compocasting technique. The reinforcements used were silicon carbide (SiC) particles with an average size of 30 mm. The influence of reinforced ratio of 10 wt-%SiC on cavitation behaviour was examined. The cavitation resistance of an AMC with SiC (AlSi/SiC) was evaluated using an ultrasonically induced cavitation test method. The mass loss of specimens was measured by an analytical method. The morphology of the damaged surface of tested composite was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It is shown that the cavitation rate of an AMC with SiC is almost the same as the CA6NM stainless steel, which is largely used in the production of hydraulic machinery components. Because the results show that the composites exhibited very good resistance to the cavitation erosion, this material can be successfully used under conditions where the cavitation resistance is needed