Investigation of Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Aluminum–Silicon Carbide (Al–SiC) Metal Matrix Composites

Aluminum-based metal matrix composites (MMCs) reinforced with ceramic particulates such as Silicon Carbide (SiC) are widely used in automotive, aerospace, and structural applications due to their superior mechanical and wear properties. This study investigates the mechanical and tribological performance of Al–SiC composites fabricated using the stir casting technique with varying SiC reinforcement percentages (5%, 10%, and 15% by weight). Mechanical characterization including tensile strength, hardness, and impact resistance was performed, accompanied by pin-on-disc wear testing under different loads and sliding velocities. The results show that increasing SiC content significantly enhances hardness and tensile strength, with the 15% SiC composite exhibiting a 28% increase in tensile strength and a 35% improvement in hardness compared to pure aluminum. Wear resistance also improved with reinforcement, although higher SiC content resulted in a slight reduction in impact toughness due to brittleness. The study confirms that Al–SiC composites offer an optimized balance of strength and wear performance, making them suitable for lightweight engineering components.