An experimental analysis on sliding wear characteristics of TIG-welded Al6061 reinforced with SiC.

In this paper, metal matrix composites of Al6061 strengthened with 6 wt. % SiC were produced by stir casting and further subjected to the Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding fabrication process using ER5356 as the filler material. The effect of TIG welding on hardness and wear resistance was studied by varying current at 150, 170, and 200 A. Samples of cast composite as per ASTM standards were prepared. Hardness tests on TIG-welded composite were carried out on the base, heat-affected, and weld zones. The test results showed higher hardness with an increase in welding current. Sliding wear properties were explored using the pin-on-disc machine. The wear rate and weight loss decreased as the welding current increased. The surface morphological images obtained through SEM indicated that the wear in the non-welded specimen was due to abrasion and delamination, whereas that of the welded specimen showed a reduced delamination and lower wear rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]