Influence of Sliding Speed on Tribological Behavior of Hypereutectic Al-15si-4cu Cast Alloy with Melt Treatments

Hypereutectic aluminum silicon alloys are mainly used in cast form in important components like pistons, cylinder liners, rocker arms, air conditioner compressors, brake drums, engine blocks, etc. These have inherent advantages of being high wear resistance, high strength to weight ratio, high corrosion resistance, good cast performance, high thermal conductivity, good weldability, etc. The influence of sliding speed on tribological behavior of hypereutectic Al-15Si-4Cu cast alloy with melt treatments like grain refinement, modification and refinement was investigated in the present study. Dry sliding wear tests were conducted for varying speeds from 1 m/s to 3 m/s insteps of 0.5 m/s for a constant sliding distance of 1000 m and at constant load of 40 N. The results suggest that increase in the sliding speed of the pin decreases the wear volume, wear rate and coefficient of friction of the cast alloys. These cast alloys exhibited more wear resistance when the sliding speed of the pin is increased.