Friction and Wear Characteristics of Several Al-Sn-Si-Cu Alloys

The friction and wear characteristics of Al Sn Si Cu alloys with silicon content from 1 to 5% and conventional Al 20Sn 1Cu alloy were studied with a ring on block friction and wear tester at room temperature. The results show that the wear rates of Al 20Sn Si 1Cu alloys are lower than that of Al 20Sn 1Cu alloy and decrease with increase in silicon contents. The friction coefficient is dependent on lubrication condition, rotating speed, sliding time, and silicon content. The friction coefficient did not change obviously with silicon content in dry friction. It slightly decreased with increasing silicon content under oil lubrication. SEM observation of the worn surfaces shows that the wear mechanisms of Al 20Sn Si 1Cu alloys are mainly abrasive and oxidative wear in dry friction and plowing and microcutting under oil lubrication, that of Al 20Sn 1Cu alloy consists of adhesive wear, surface fatigue and abrasive wear in dry friction and fatigue and delamination wear under oil lubrication.