Investigation on the Wear Properties of Primary Si Modified Al–20Si Alloy

In the present study, Al–20Si alloy has been modified by Cu–13P master alloy to obtain Al–20Si–0.1P alloy. The wear properties of Al–20Si–0.1P alloy have been investigated and compared with that of Al–20Si alloy. The microstructure of Al–20Si–0.1P alloy consisted of primary and eutectic silicon distributed in the Al matrix. The size of primary Si is much smaller than that observed in Al–20Si alloy. Wear tests have been conducted over a wide range of loads and sliding velocities. It has been observed that the wear rates of Al–20Si–0.1P alloy are lower than that of Al–20Si alloy. The coefficient of friction is more or less constant in both the alloys but is low in Al–20Si–0.1P alloy. The better wear resistance of Al–20Si–0.1P alloy is discussed in the light of its modified microstructure evolved during solidification.