Regeneration of Aluminum Matrix Composite Reinforced by SiC(p) and GC(sf) Using Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Technology

The main motivation behind the presented research was the regeneration of the damaged surface of composite materials. The testing of melting and pad welding of the composite surface by Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) with alternating current (AC) were carried out. The material of investigation was an AlSi12/SiCp + GCsf hybrid composite made by a centrifugal casting process. The composite was reinforced with 5 wt.% of silicon carbide particles and 5 wt.% of glassy carbon spheres. The composites were investigated in tribological tests. It was found that there was a possibility for modification or regeneration of the surface with pad welding technology. Recommended for the repairs was the pad welding method with filler metal with a chemical composition similar to the aluminum matrix composite (ISO 18273 S Al4047A (AlSi12 [A])). The surface of the pad welding was characterized by the correct structure with visible SiCp. No gases or pores were observed in the pad welding; this was due to a better homogeneity of the silicon carbide (SiCp) distribution in the composite and better filling spaces between liquid metal particles in comparison to the base material. Based on the tribological tests, it was found that the lowest wear was observed for the composite surface after pad welding. This was related to the small number of reinforcing particles and their agreeable bonding with the matrix. The plastic deformation of the Al matrix and scratching by worn particles were a dominant wear mechanism of the surface.