A study on processing, characterization and erosion wear behavior of silicon carbide particle filled ZA-27 metal matrix composites

Metal matrix composites are mostly used as such structural engineering components where solid particle erosion is a common mode of failure. In this article, the study is concentrate on the processing and characterization of ZA-27 metal matrix composite (MMC) reinforced with silicon carbide (SiC) particle in different weight percentage ranging from 0-9 wt% in a step of 3% each and also reported on their solid particle erosion wear response. A widely used and simple liquid metallurgy technique called stir casting technique is used for the fabrication of these composite materials. Erosion trials are made as per the experimental design based on Taguchi's L-16 orthogonal array. Predominantly influential parameters affecting the wear rate are identified. The results indicate that erosion wear rate of this composite is influence more by impact velocity and filler content respectively compare to others factors. It also shows the good filler characteristics of SiC particles as wear rate decreases with the increase in filler content in the matrix material. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.