KOREASCHOLAR

Ni and Ni-Cr reinforced Al alloy (AC8A) composites were fabricated by low pressure infiltration process. Porous Ni was applied as preform. Ni reinforced AC8A composites were fabricated under 0.3 MPa at 650, 700 and 750 degrees centigrade, respectively, while Ni-Cr reinforced AC8A composites were fabricated under low pressure limited to the maximum of 0.5 Mpa at 750, 800 and 850 degrees centigrade, respectively. Microstructure and phase composition of the composites were evaluated by optical microscope, X-Ray diffraction (XRD), electro-probe micro analyzer (EMPA). Intermetallic compounds Al3Ni and CrSi were observed in the composites. The results indicate that the grain size has been increasing with the increase of the infiltration temperatures. However, the wear resistance of Ni/AC8A and Ni-Cr AC8A peaked at 650 degree centigrade and 800 degrees centigrade, respectively. In addition, based on the wear characteristics and wear surfaces, Ni-Cr/AC8A composites have a better wear resistance than Ni/AC8A composites and AC8A.