Effect of ultrasonic melt treatment on the tribological behavior of 7075 aluminum alloy

Abstract

Abstract In this study, the tribological properties of 7075 aluminum alloy produced by ultrasonic melt treatment (UST) are investigated. Tribological properties of untreated and ultrasonically treated samples under dry and lubricated sliding conditions were analyzed experimentally by the block on ring test method. Worn surfaces of untreated and ultrasonically treated samples were scanned by 3D optical profilometer and analyzed to search out wear characteristics in the material. Furthermore, microstructural examinations were conducted to investigate the beneficial effects of UST on the microstructural properties of the alloy using optical and scanning electron microscopy. According to the results obtained, UST refines the α-Al phase of the alloy and disperses precipitates to grain boundaries more uniformly. Also, hardness and density of the alloy increased through the effect of UST. Due to these favorable effects, the wear resistance of the alloy increased and the worn surfaces of the ultrasonically treated samples exhibited lower surface roughness according to 3D surface roughness measurements.