Study on mechanical and wear properties of SiC reinforcement on functionally graded steel matrix composite materials by centrifugal casting and annealing heat treatment methods

The properties of steel alloy have been discussed in various research studies. This proposed study focuses on silicon carbide (SiC) reinforced on functionally graded low carbon steel (FGLCS). The proportions of these two materials are 90 wt% FGLCS and 10 wt% SiC. SiC nanoparticle size was 72 nm, which was used as reinforcement to fabricate the FGLCS composites. The die is used to obtain the desired casting, which was prepared using the centrifugal casting technique. The die is made by combining silica sand and dried silica sand with sodium silicate oil. The specimen undergoes an annealing heat treatment to enhance the composite material's ductility and toughness. The composite is cut according to ASTM standards and tested for its qualities. As per ASTM A370 standard, the tensile strength, tensile modulus, elongation, and impact strength of the SiC-included FGLCS composite are obtained as 456 MPa, 85 GPa, 22%, and 0.033 J/mm², respectively. The hardness and modulus of rigidity of the FGLCS composite are 733 Brinell hardness number and 975 × 10² N/mm². As per the ASTM G99 standard, the pin-on disc was used to find the specific wear rate of 0.62 × 10⁻⁶ mm³/Nm, a coefficient of friction of 0.25, and a wear volume loss of 7.14 ×10⁻⁷ mm³ at a 75 m sliding distance of the developed composite. The scanning electron microscopy study reveals the size of particles, dispersion of nanoparticles on matrix elements, adhesive force of attraction between the components, and casting defects such as porosity of FGLCS. The mechanical and tribological properties of SiC-incorporated FGLCS composites have superior properties to those of existing low-carbon steel substances.