Effect of Sodium modifier on the microstructure and wear rate of al-14 Wt Si alloy

Abstract EN

In this study, a demonstration of the effect of Na addition to the microstructure and wear rate of hypereutectic Al-14 wt% Si alloy was carried out.

It is found that the addition of Na has an important effect on shifting the eutectic composition of Al-Si alloys from approximately 12 wt% to 14 wt% Si; shifting the unmodified alloy from hypereutectic to eutectic alloys for the modified alloys.

The modified alloys have a eutectic composition with fine needle at lower Na content (0.05 wt%).

Increasing the percentage of Na to 0.12 wt% resulted in producing a lamellar Si structure compared with acicular structure for unmodified alloy.

The wear rate of modified alloys is lower than the hypereutectic alloy.

Wear rates observed were in the range of 10-9 to 10-11 which is fully identified in the mild wear rate regime.