Effects of 4.5% Copper Addition and Melt Treatment on Microstructure and Wear Properties of Al-7Si Alloy

Abstract:

The present study describes the effects of addition of 4.5 wt% of copper on microstructure and wear properties of cast Al-7Si base alloy. Grain refiner (1 wt% of Al-1Ti-3B) and grain modifier (0.2 wt% of Al-10Sr) were added together to Al-7Si base alloy and Al-7Si-4.5Cu alloy and effect of alloy composition, microstructure and normal pressure on wear properties were studied. Results indicated that combined grain refined and modified Al-7Si-4.5Cu alloys had uniformly distributed α-Al grains, eutectic Al-Si and fine CuAl₂ particles in the inter dendritic region. In both alloys (Al-7Si and Al-7Si-4.5Cu) the wear properties improved after combined melt treatment. The addition of 4.5% copper resulted in improved wear characteristics as compared to both untreated and treated Al-7Si alloys. SEM / EDS analysis were carried out on cast alloys and worn surfaces.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volumes 766-767)
• Pages: 410-415
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.766-767.410
• Online since: June 2015
• Authors: C.G. Shivaprasad*, Kiran Aithal, S. Narendranath, Vijay Desai, P.G. Mukunda
• Keywords: Al-7Si, Al-7Si-4.5Cu, Grain Refinement, Microstructure, Modification

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