The influence of the addition of 4.5 wt.% of copper on wear properties of Al-12Si eutectic alloy

Abstract

The influence of 4.5 wt.% copper addition on wear behavior of as-cast Al-12Si alloy prepared by gravity casting is investigated in dry sliding against a steel counterface using a pin-on-disk apparatus. The microstructures of test alloys and worn surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersing X-ray spectroscopy. The addition of copper to the binary Al-12Si alloy led to the precipitation of CuAl2 phase. Copper addition resulted in a refinement of ?-Al and a minor modification of eutectic Si. The Al-12Si-4.5Cu alloy showed a higher wear resistance as compared to Al-12Si binary eutectic alloy. 2015 Jordan Journal of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering. All rights reserved.