Wear of cast Al-Si alloys containing graphite

Abstract

The influence of graphite additions on the wear characteristics of cast Al-Si alloys, produced by compocasting followed by squeeze casting, has been assessed using a pin-on-disc wear test. In general, an increase in graphite content reduces the coefficient of friction and temperature rise in the wear pin. At low addition levels (2 wt.%) graphite improves the wear resistance of the alloys by enabling a mild rate of wear to be maintained at higher loads. However, at high addition levels (8 wt.%) graphite so weakens the alloy that yielding occurs and a severe rate of wear is maintained.