Tribological studies on Aluminium alloys

Abstract

Aluminium alloys have extensive application in industries. The range of physical properties that can be imparted to them is remarkable. Addition of Silicon to Aluminium helps to increase their strength and wear resistance. Al-Si alloys are extensivelyused in industrial applications due to better tribological
properties. In the present work,an attempt has been made to study the tribological properties of three Aluminium as-cast alloy samples i.e Al-7wt%Si, Al-10wt%Si and Al-14wt%Si. Wear tests were conducted using a pin-on-disc
type wear testing machine(DUCOM wear and friction monitor) after metallographic examination followed by hardness measurement.The operational parameters that were varied were percentage Silicon content of the alloy, normal load,sliding velocity, sliding distance and lubrication. The wear was higher at increased velocity at increased normal load. Wear was found to be increasing with decreasing Silicon content. SEM characterisation was done. Interestingly, wear under lubricated condition was higher. The interaction of Silicon platelets at the Al-Si boundary might have been the possible reason.