Microstructure and Dry Sliding Wear Behaviour of Cast Al-8%Si-0.3%Mg Alloy against En-31

Abstract

In present paper, the influence of sliding speed, contact load, sliding time and silicon content on interface temperature and wear behaviour during the sliding of cast Al–8%Si–0.3%Mg alloy in as cast, melt treated and heat treated conditions has been reported. Dry sliding tests were conducted against hardened steel En-31 counter surface (RC 60) at a constant normal load (30 N) over a range of sliding speed from 0.3 to 4.0 m/s. It was observed that the interface temperature and wear rate is a function of sliding speed and sliding distance. The wear of alloys under investigation has a close relationship with interface temperature. There is a critical temperature at which the transition from mild to severe wear takes place.