Characteristic of MAO coatings formed on CuAl₂ in-situ reinforced aluminum matrix composites

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the structural and mechanical properties of coatings formed on CuAl₂ in-situ reinforced aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) by micro arc oxidation (MAO) process. AMC, which were fabricated by powder metallurgy method upon addition of copper powder into aluminium powder at different percentages (0%, 15 wt.% and 30 wt.%), were exposed to MAO after sintering at 550°C for 6 h. During sintering process CuAl₂ type intermetallic was precipitated in the microstructure of copper containing compacts. MAO caused covering of the surfaces of AMCs with an oxide layer mostly consisting of mullite and alumina. Mechanical performance of the coatings were determined by hardness measurements and wear tests. In summary, the oxide layers formed on the AMCs exhibit a reduction in hardness and tribological performance with increasing copper content of the AMC.