Investigations of wear properties of immiscible monotectic Al-10Bi alloy

ABSTRACT

This study focused on improving the wear properties of a monotectic Al-10%Bi alloy. The properties of the alloy were improved through two different processes. The effect of artificial ageing and addition of Mn in alloys was investigated. The alloys are produced in an atmosphere-controlled mini-arc furnace. The first sample of the alloy (AlBi-aged) was artificially aged. In order to make the alloy suitable for ageing, 1% Mg and 0.5% Si elements were added to the alloys. The AlBi-aged sample was kept at 525°C for 2 h for artificial ageing and quenched in ice water. The samples were then aged at 180°C for a total of 72 h. In the second sample, 3 wt% Mn (AlBi3Mn) was added to the alloy. Samples containing 3% Mn were examined directly (without ageing). Finally, the alloys were tested for dry wear by reciprocating motion. XRF and XRD analyses were applied to all samples. SEM and EDX analyses were performed for morphological analysis. The samples were also taken to the microhardness test. As a result, the wear resistance of the sample, which was artificially aged for 24 h, increased by 34%. In the AlBi3Mn sample, the hardness increased approximately two times, while the wear resistance increased by 67%.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Al-Bi alloys
• artificial ageing
• wear
• manganese
• monotectic alloys

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank the laboratory staff of the Hitit University Physics Department for expanding of this study. I would also like to present my respects to Karabuk University Materials-Research-Development-Center (MARGEM) management.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available within the article. There is no data that needs to be stored and presented.