Studies on Wear Properties of Forged A356 Alloy with Addition of Grain Refiner and/or Modifier

Abstract

In the present paper, wear behaviour of forged A356 alloy with and without grain refiner and or modifier has been investigated under dry sliding conditions using a pin-on-disc wear testing machine. Forging was carried on A356 alloy using a pneumatic power forging hammer of Model MS 412 for analyzing the wear properties. Wear experiments were carried out at various normal pressures, sliding speeds and sliding distances. The metallographic studies reveal that the forged samples have a more uniform distribution of the eutectic silicon in comparison to the as cast microstructures. The tribological results reveal that in forged condition a considerable decrease in the weight loss and frictional force was noticed as compared to the as cast A356 alloy and this would be due to the effect of forged and heat treated A356 alloy. Abrasive, oxidative, adhesive wear mechanisms are operative in different wear conditions.