Wear properties of hybrid fiber reinforced aluminum matrix composites and application to an automotive engine block

Abstract

Alumina short fiber and carbon short fiber reinforced aluminum composites were fabricated by squeeze casting. Tensile and sliding tests and metallography of the composites were carried out. It was revealed that hybrid fiber composites of alumina and carbon fibers had good sliding properties, especially under dry conditions. Crystallinity of the carbon fiber showed important effects to the composite properties. It was revealed that composite engine blocks were of light-weight and high performance compared with other mass-produced engine blocks.