To produce aluminum matrix composite reinforced with graphite particles, mixing of pure aluminum and graphite powders by a new method called homogenization in liquid phase was performed. The graphite content was chosen from zero to 4.5 percent by weight of graphite in this study. Composite samples were produced using the dried powder by two ways: spark plasma sintering (SPS) and cold pressing and thereafter sintering in a vacuum furnace under different pressure, temperature and time. To investigate the mechanical properties of samples, compression, hardness and wear tests were performed. Finally, the microstructure was investigated by OM and SEM. Based on the results and observations it was cleared that distribution of graphite particles was much better than other methods. Thus threefold compression strength in comparison with other mixing methods and dramatically improved wear property were obtained as the addition of graphite reaches 3 percent by weight.

Keywords