SINOPSIS

This study describes the erosion behavior of AA6061 aluminum alloy matrix filled with different weight proportions (0 wt.%, 5 wt.%, 10 wt.%, and 15 wt.%) of silicon carbide (SiC) particles and the composite being fabricated by using a widely accepted stir casting technique. The control factors (impact velocity, filler-content, impingement angle, and erodent size) play an influential role in the erosion wear of SiC-reinforced Al metal matrix composites. Different sizes of angularly shaped alumina (Al₂O₃) particles (50 μm, 90 μm, 100 μm, and 120 μm) are used as an erodent, and the erosion wear tests are performed according to the L16 orthogonal array of the Taguchi design. Erosion test results indicate that among all the influential parameters, the filler content is the most effective factor followed by the velocity of impact, impingement angle, and the erodent size. The erosion wear rate decreases with increase in the filler content in the matrix material. Different wear mechanisms with qualitative attributes are examined by a scanning electron microscopy of the samples during erosion experiment.