Enhancing Hardness and Wear Resistance of AlSi1MgMn Alloy with YSZ Reinforcement and T6 Heat Treatment | Chapter 2 | Chemical and Materials Sciences: Research Findings Vol. 2

This research examines the wear behavior of T6 heat-treated AlSi1MgMn alloy-based Metal Matrix composites (MMCs) reinforced with Yttria Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ). The prime objective is to assess the combined effects of reinforcement and T6 heat treatment on the developed composite’s tribological performance. AlSi1MgMn alloy belongs to the A6XXX series, was selected as a matrix because of superior mechanical properties, while YSZ was incorporated into the matrix as a reinforcing phase for its superior hardness and wear resistance. The MMC underwent T6 heat treatment to enhance mechanical strength through precipitation hardening. A wear test was conducted on a pin-on-disc tribometer, simulating real-world sliding contact conditions. Key wear parameters such as material loss, coefficient of friction (COF), and wear mechanisms were analyzed to evaluate the composite’s durability under abrasive conditions. The obtained results specify that increasing the presence of YSZ in the AlSi1MgMn matrix significantly reduced both material loss and COF, attributed to the high hardness and wear-resistant nature of YSZ. Furthermore, the heat treatment substantially enhanced the composite's wear resistance by encouraging the development of strengthening precipitates such as Mg2Si, which enhanced hardness and limited material degradation. Overall, the AlSi1MgMn composite's resistance to wear was greatly increased by the combined effects of YSZ reinforcement and T6 heat treatment, indicating that it is a promising material for high-performance applications needing superior tribological properties. Overall, the AlSi1MgMn composite's resistance to wear was greatly increased by the combined effects of YSZ reinforcement and T6 heat treatment. These enhancements make it a strong candidate for industrial applications requiring high wear resistance, such as automotive components (e.g., engine parts, brake discs), aerospace structures, and manufacturing tools subjected to abrasive conditions. The findings suggest that integrating YSZ reinforcement and heat treatment can extend component lifespan and reduce maintenance costs in such demanding environments.

 

Author (s) Details

 

Madhukumar K
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sir M Visvesvaraya Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, Karnataka-562157, India.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/cmsrf/v2/4807