Preparation, mechanical and anti-friction properties of Al/Si/serpentine composites

Abstract

Purpose Serpentine is usually added into the lubricant oil to form a self-repairing protective layer on worn ferrous surface. But few works have paid close attention to the preparation of composites with the addition of serpentine. In this work, serpentine reinforced Al matrix composites were successfully prepared to be industrial lubrication components. And its fabricating parameters, compressive strength and tribological properties were analyzed. Design/methodology/approach An MM-W1 three-pin-on-disk apparatus was used to investigate the tribological properties. The worn surface, microstructure and cross-sectional morphologies were characterized by scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy. The compression test was carried out on a universal testing machine. An X-ray diffractometer was used to investigate the phase constitutions. The decomposition temperature of serpentine powders was investigated by a thermal analyzer, which allows simultaneous differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry. With the help of finite element method model, a diagrammatic model of the self-repairing surface layer was developed to analyze the anti-friction mechanism. Findings Through evaluating density and Brinell hardness, sintering at 560°C for 3 h are the appropriate parameters for fabricating the composites. Compressive strength was increased by the addition of serpentine. A self-repairing surface layer was formed, reducing the friction coefficient. And a diagrammatic model of the self-repairing surface layer was developed to analyze the anti-friction mechanism. Originality/value Serpentine was added in fabricating the Al matrix composites for the first time. Sintering parameters were optimized to make better Al/Si/serpentine composites. Compressive strength was increased by the addition of serpentine. A self-repairing surface layer was formed, reducing the friction coefficient under the dry sliding condition. And a diagrammatic model of the self-repairing surface layer was developed to analyze the anti-friction mechanism. It is hoped to be helpful in further confirming the factors for the formation of the self-repairing surface layer, and in designing a new industrial anti-friction composite used for dry sliding conditions.