Fabrication and testing of Al-SiCp composite valve seat inserts

In the present work Al-SiC_p composite valve seat inserts with 10, 15, 20, and 25 wt?% of SiC_p were fabricated through die compaction of powders and subsequent sintering at 580 °C. Valve seat inserts were also fabricated through the gravity die casting process. The Rockwell hardness, density, radial crushing load and surface roughness of the Al-SiC_p composites (with different wt % of SiC_p) and steel valve seat inserts presently used in engines were measured and compared. The Rockwell hardness and radial crushing load for Al-15, 20, and 25wt% of SiC_p composite valve seat inserts were higher than that of the steel valve seat inserts presently used in engines. The microstructure of the cast and powder metal Al-SiC_p composites was also studied.