Effects of Ti3SiC2 content on the tribological and mechanical properties of spark plasma sintered Al–Si/Ti3SiC2 composites

Abstract

Al–Si/Ti3SiC2 composites with (10–40 wt. %) Ti3SiC2 content have been successfully fabricated by the spark plasma sintering method. The mechanical properties and wear behaviors of Al–Si/Ti3SiC2 composites have been investigated. The results revealed that the compressive and tribological performance of the composites was enhanced by adding Ti3SiC2 particles. The compressive strength was increased from 473 to 563 MPa. The optimal friction coefficient was 0.35.