Tribological Characterization of Hypereutectic Al–25Si Alloy Under Dry and Lubricated Sliding Conditions

Abstract

Friction and wear properties of hypereutectic Al–25Si alloy were studied under dry and lubricated sliding conditions. Hypereutectic Al–25Si alloys were prepared by rapid solidification process (RSP) under the T6 condition. Experimental studies were conducted using a ball on disk type tribometer. The effect of the sliding distance and normal load on the friction and wear were investigated. The coefficient of friction (COF) remained stable with an increase in the sliding distance (250–1500 m) and decreased with an increase in the normal load (10–50 N), whereas the wear rate decreased with an increase in the sliding distance, and increased with the increase in the normal load up to 40 N and then attained a steady-state value under dry and lubricated sliding conditions. The improvements in COF and wear rate were mainly attributed to the morphology, size, and distribution of hypereutectic Si particles due to its fabrication process. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), optical microscopy, and three-dimensional (3D)-surface profilometer were used for characterization of the wear tracks. The dominant wear mechanisms for a hypereutectic Al–25Si alloy were adhesive wear, abrasive wear, and plastic deformation.