The effect of strontium on the microstructure and wear properties of A356-10%B4C cast composites

This study was under-taken to investigate the effect of strontium (0.5%) as a modifier on the microstructure and dry sliding wear behavior of A356-10%B4C particulate metal matrix composite (PMMC). The composite ingots were made by stir casting process. In this work, composite were characterized by scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), and dry sliding wear experiment were performed in a pin-on-disc wear tester against a DIN 100Cr6 steel disc at speed of 0.5 ms(-1) and normal loads of 20, 40 and 60 N. The obtained results showed that 0.5%Sr was needed to modify of silicon eutectic in A356-10%B4C cast composite. Also, the wear results showed that the addition of strontium to MMCs can lead to reduction of wear rate through strong bonding (between B4C and matrix) and silicon particle modification. Formation of compact transfer layer has been identified on the entire surface of the pins at the applied load of 60 N. It is suggested that the transfer layer which was formed under an applied load of 60 N can act as a protective layer and helps to reduce wear rate. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.