Microstructure and properties of in-situ Zn-Al-Si surface composites prepared by centrifugal casting

A new in situ Zn Al Si surface composites was fabricated by using centrifugal casting. A high volume fraction of primary Si particles in the inner layer was achieved. The formation mechanism of the gradient was discussed. The effect of technological parameters on the composites was investigated. Testing results show that the hardness and wear resistance of the composites depend mainly on the distribution of the primary silicon particles along radial direction. The inner layer of the composite shows the highest hardness and best wear properties. The fracture mode of the composites is primarily brittle. The inner layer of the composite exhibits more deformation than the inner layer during the fracture. [