The influence of synergistic effect on the mechanical and tribological properties of SiC/7055Al composites reinforced with carbon nanotubes

SiC/7055Al composites with enhanced interface bonding were successfully fabricated by incorporating carbon nanotubes (CNT) through the powder metallurgy method. SiC particles are distributed within the grain boundaries and form a network structure, while CNTs are situated at the interface between the SiC particles and the matrix alloy. The network structure of SiC in the composites effectively enhances the load-bearing capacity. The incorporation of CNTs with a high aspect ratio plays a crucial role in inhibiting both the initiation and propagation of cracks, while also minimizing the spalling of SiC particles during the friction processes. The synergistic effect significantly enhanced the mechanical properties and tribological properties of the composites. The composite containing 5 % SiC and 0.05 % CNT demonstrates the optimal tribological properties, and the wear mechanism is mild abrasive wear and fatigue wear, whereas other composites exhibit fatigue wear.