Wear Behavior of Thixoformed Al-25 wt% Mg₂Si Composites Produced by Slope Casting Method

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of semisolid processing on the wear behavior of Al-25 wt% Mg₂Si composite. In order to fabricate this composite, a cooling slope method was used. After casting on the slope, reheating in the semisolid temperature range was done and samples obtained were thixoformed using a hydraulic press. To assess the wear properties of these samples, dry sliding wear tests using a pin-on-disc method were carried out at three different applied loads. To determine the chemical composition of phases and to study the wear surfaces, energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses were carried out. The results showed that the wear resistance in semisolid deformed samples is better than that of conventional ones. In addition, the sample cast through the slope casting method with a modified aluminum matrix and Mg₂Si particles has a worn surface with less damage compared to the conventionally cast sample.

KEY WORDS:

• Wear Behavior
• Mechanically Mixed Layer (MML)
• Semisolid Process
• Al-Mg₂Si