Mechanical properties of functionally graded Al series 3000 with addition of Li 2.3 wt%

Abstract

ABSTRACT One of the effective methods in increasing the device performance is the use of components made of new and advanced materials, and their physical and mechanical properties are in opposition and often lightweight. In the present study, a functionally graded (FG) pipe Al series 3000 with addition of Li 2.3 wt% fabricated by using horizontal centrifugal casting method at pouring temperature of 750°C and final round of mould of 1000 rpm (mould preheated up to 150°C). The evaluation of microstructure, hardness, compressive strength and wear resistance was done by using VEGA2 SEM, Vickers hardness test at 50 g force, Zwick Z100 test machine and pin on disc under a stress of 7.6 MPa in a distance of 1000 m, respectively. The results indicated a graded manner in the content of Li, Si and Cu from outer to inner layers of FG pipe with a density of 2.4 g cm–1. The sum of intermatallic phases in the matrix, such as β (AlLi), AlSi and Al2Cu, increased from 17 Vol% to 35 Vol%. Therefore, the hardness and ultimate compression strength of the outer layer graded in comparison to the inner layers. Also, the wear resistance of the inner layer increased 18% in comparison to that of the outer layer.