Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Effect of Ni content on the wear behavior of Al-Si-Cu-Mg-Ni/SiC particles composites

  • Research Article
  • Published:
International Journal of Minerals, Metallurgy and Materials Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In recent years, the addition of Ni has been widely acknowledged to be capable of enhancing the mechanical properties of Al-Si alloys. However, the effect of Ni on the wear behaviors of Al-Si alloys and Al matrix composites, particularly at elevated temperatures, remains an understudied area. In this study, Al-Si-Cu-Mg-Ni/20wt% SiC particles (SiCp) composites with varying Ni contents were prepared by using a semisolid stir casting method. The effect of Ni content on the dry sliding wear behavior of the prepared composites was investigated through sliding tests at 25 and 350°C. Results indicated that the θ-Al2Cu phase gradually diminished and eventually disappeared as the Ni content increased from 0wt% to 3wt%. This change was accompanied by the formation and increase in δ-Al3CuNi and ε-Al3Ni phases in microstructures. The hardness and ultimate tensile strength of the as-cast composites improved, and the wear rates of the composites decreased from 5.29 × 10−4 to 1.94 × 10−4 mm3/(N·m) at 25°C and from 20.2 × 10−4 to 7 × 10−4 mm3/(N·m) at 350°C with the increase in Ni content from 0wt% to 2wt%. The enhancement in performance was due to the presence of strengthening network structures and additional Ni-containing phases in the composites. However, the wear rate of the 3Ni composite was approximately two times higher than that of the 2Ni composite due to the fracture and debonding of the ε-Al3Ni phase. Abrasive wear, delamination wear, and oxidation wear were the predominant wear mechanisms of the investigated composites at 25°C, whereas delamination wear and oxidation wear were dominant during sliding at 350°C.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. M.C. Şenel, Y. Kanca, and M. Gürbüz, Reciprocating sliding wear properties of sintered Al-B4C composites, Int. J. Miner. Metall. Mater., 29(2022), No. 6, p. 1261.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. C.Y. Huang, S.P. Hu, and K. Chen, Influence of rolling temperature on the interfaces and mechanical performance of graphene-reinforced aluminum-matrix composites, Int. J. Miner. Metall. Mater., 26(2019), No. 6, p. 752.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. N.C. Kaushik and R.N. Rao, The effect of wear parameters and heat treatment on two body abrasive wear of Al-SiC-Gr hybrid composites, Tribol. Int., 96(2016), p. 184.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. N.C. Kaushik and R.N. Rao, Effect of grit size on two body abrasive wear of Al6082 hybrid composites produced by stir casting method, Tribol. Int., 102(2016), p. 52.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. E. Safary, R. Taghiabadi, and M.H. Ghoncheh, Mechanical properties of Al-15Mg2Si composites prepared under different solidification cooling rates, Int. J. Miner. Metall. Mater., 29(2022), No. 6, p. 1249.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. H.M. Xia, L. Zhang, Y.C. Zhu, et al., Mechanical properties of graphene nanoplatelets reinforced 7075 aluminum alloy composite fabricated by spark plasma sintering, Int. J. Miner. Metall. Mater., 27(2020), No. 9, p. 1295.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. X.Z. Kai, Z.Q. Li, G.L. Fan, et al., Enhanced strength and ductility in particulate-reinforced aluminum matrix composites fabricated by flake powder metallurgy, Mater. Sci. Eng. A, 587(2013), p. 46.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. M.Y. Zhou, L.B. Ren, L.L. Fan, et al., Progress in research on hybrid metal matrix composites, J. Alloys Compd., 838(2020), art. No. 155274.

  9. Z.M. Zhang, G.L. Fan, Z.Q. Tan, et al., Towards the strength-ductility synergy of Al2O3/Al composite through the design of roughened interface, Compos. Part B, 224(2021), art. No. 109251.

  10. N.C. Kaushik and R.N. Rao, Influence of applied load on abrasive wear depth of hybrid Gr/SiC/Al-Mg-Si composites in a two-body condition, J. Tribol., 139(2017), No. 6, art. No. 061601.

  11. S. Kumar, R.S. Panwar, and O.P. Pandey, Effect of dual reinforced ceramic particles on high temperature tribological properties of aluminum composites, Ceram. Int., 39(2013), No. 6, p. 6333.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. D.X. Mao, X.C. Meng, Y.M. Xie, et al., Strength-ductility balance strategy in SiC reinforced aluminum matrix composites via deformation-driven metallurgy, J. Alloys Compd., 891(2022), art. No. 162078.

  13. W. Zhang and J. Xu, Advanced lightweight materials for Automobiles: A review, Mater. Des., 221(2022), art. No. 110994.

  14. A.M. Hassan, A. Alrashdan, M.T. Hayajneh, and A.T. Mayyas, Wear behavior of Al-Mg-Cu-based composites containing SiC particles, Tribol. Int., 42(2009), No. 8, p. 1230.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. F. Lin, J. Wang, H. Wu, et al., Synergistic effects of TiC and graphene on the microstructure and tribological properties of Al2024 matrix composites, Adv. Powder Technol., 32(2021), No. 10, p. 3635.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. R.K. Singh, A. Telang, and S. Das, Microstructure, mechanical properties and two-body abrasive wear behaviour of hypereutectic Al-Si-SiC composite, Trans. Nonferrous Met. Soc. China, 30(2020), No. 1, p. 65.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Z.Q. Sun, D. Zhang, and G.B. Li, Evaluation of dry sliding wear behavior of silicon particles reinforced aluminum matrix composites, Mater. Des., 26(2005), No. 5, p. 454.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. E.A. Diler and R. Ipek, Main and interaction effects of matrix particle size, reinforcement particle size and volume fraction on wear characteristics of Al-SiCp composites using central composite design, Compos. Part B, 50(2013), p. 371.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. H. Ghandvar, M.H. Idris, N. Ahmad, and N. Moslemi, Microstructure development, mechanical and tribological properties of a semisolid A356/xSiCp composite, J. Appl. Res. Technol., 15(2017), No. 6, p. 533.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Y. Yalcin and H. Akbulut, Dry wear properties of A356-SiC particle reinforced MMCs produced by two melting routes, Mater. Des., 27(2006), No. 10, p. 872.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. D. Li, K. Liu, J. Rakhmonov, and X.G. Chen, Enhanced thermal stability of precipitates and elevated-temperature properties via microalloying with transition metals (Zr, V and Sc) in Al-Cu 224 cast alloys, Mater. Sci. Eng. A, 827(2021), art. No. 142090.

  22. C. Puncreobutr, P.D. Lee, K.M. Kareh, T. Connolley, J.L. Fife, and A.B. Phillion, Influence of Fe-rich intermetallics on solidification defects in Al-Si-Cu alloys, Acta Mater., 68(2014), p. 42.

    Article  ADS  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. J. Rakhmonov, G. Timelli, and F. Bonollo, Characterization of the solidification path and microstructure of secondary Al-7Si-3Cu-0.3Mg alloy with Zr, V and Ni additions, Mater. Charact., 128(2017), p. 100.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. H. Tan, S. Wang, Y. Yu, et al., Friction and wear properties of Al-20Si-5Fe-2Ni-graphite solid-lubricating composite at elevated temperatures, Tribol. Int., 122(2018), p. 228.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. L.J. Zuo, B. Ye, J. Feng, X.J. Xu, X.Y. Kong, and H.Y. Jiang, Effect of S-Al3CuNi phase and thermal exposure on microstructure and mechanical properties of Al-Si-Cu-Ni alloys, J. Alloys Compd., 791(2019), p. 1015.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. J. Rakhmonov, K. Liu, L. Pan, F. Breton, and X.G. Chen, Enhanced mechanical properties of high-temperature-resistant Al-Cu cast alloy by microalloying with Mg, J. Alloys Compd., 827(2020), art. No. 154305.

  27. H.L. Yang, S.X. Ji, and Z.Y. Fan, Effect of heat treatment and Fe content on the microstructure and mechanical properties of die-cast Al-Si-Cu alloys, Mater. Des., 85(2015), p. 823.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. L.J. Zuo, B. Ye, J. Feng, X.Y. Kong, H.Y. Jiang, and W.J. Ding, Effect of Q-Al5Cu2Mg8Si6 phase on mechanical properties of Al-Si-Cu-Mg alloy at elevated temperature, Mater. Sci. Eng. A, 693(2017), p. 26.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Q. Liu, M.W. Liu, C. Xu, et al, Effects of Sr, Ce and P on the microstructure and mechanical properties of rapidly solidified Al-7Si alloys, Mater. Charact., 140(2018), p. 290.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. C. Xu, W.L. Xiao, R.X. Zheng, S. Hanada, H. Yamagata, and C.L. Ma, The synergic effects of Sc and Zr on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Al-Si-Mg alloy, Mater. Des., 88(2015), p. 485.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  31. G. Timelli, D. Caliari, and J. Rakhmonov, Influence of process parameters and Sr addition on the microstructure and casting defects of LPDC A356 alloy for engine blocks, J. Mater. Sci. Technol., 32(2016), No. 6, p. 515.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. S.K. Shaha, F. Czerwinski, W. Kasprzak, and D.L. Chen, Tensile and compressive deformation behavior of the Al-Si-Cu-Mg cast alloy with additions of Zr, V and Ti, Mater. Des., 59(2014), p. 352.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  33. S.K. Shaha, F. Czerwinski, W. Kasprzak, J. Friedman, and D.L. Chen, Thermal stability of (AlSi)x(ZrVTi) intermetallic phases in the Al-Si-Cu-Mg cast alloy with additions of Ti, V, and Zr, Thermochim. Acta, 595(2014), p. 11.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. J. Feng, B. Ye, L.J. Zuo, et al., Effects of Ni content on low cycle fatigue and mechanical properties of Al-12Si-0.9Cu-0.8Mg-xNi at 350°C, Mater. Sci. Eng. A, 706(2017), p. 27.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Y.G. Li, Y. Yang, Y.Y. Wu, L.Y. Wang, and X.F. Liu, Quantitative comparison of three Ni-containing phases to the elevated-temperature properties of Al-Si piston alloys, Mater. Sci. Eng. A, 527(2010), No. 26, p. 7132.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Y. Ma, A. Addad, G. Ji, et al., Atomic-scale investigation of the interface precipitation in a TiB2 nanoparticles reinforced Al-Zn-Mg-Cu matrix composite, Acta Mater., 185(2020), p. 287.

    Article  ADS  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Z. Asghar, G. Requena, and E. Boller, Three-dimensional rigid multiphase networks providing high-temperature strength to cast AlSi10Cu5Ni1–2 piston alloys, Acta Mater., 59(2011), No. 16, p. 6420.

    Article  ADS  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  38. Z. Asghar, G. Requena, H.P. Degischer, and P. Cloetens, Three-dimensional study of Ni aluminides in an AlSi12 alloy by means of light optical and synchrotron microtomography, Acta Mater., 57(2009), No. 14, p. 4125.

    Article  ADS  CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. Y.Y. Liu, L.N. Jia, W.B. Wang, Z.H. Jin, and H. Zhang, Effects of Ni content on microstructure and wear behavior of Al-13Si-3Cu-1Mg-xNi-0.6Fe-0.6Mn alloys, Wrar, 500–501(2022), art. No. 204365.

  40. Z. Shi, S. Ochiai, M. Gu, M. Hojo, and J.C. Lee, The formation and thermostability of MgO and MgAl2O4 nanoparticles in oxidized SiC particle-reinforced Al-Mg composites, Appl. Phys. A, 74(2002), No. 1, p. 97.

    Article  ADS  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. A. Ureña, E.E. Martínez, P. Rodrigo, and L. Gil, Oxidation treatments for SiC particles used as reinforcement in aluminium matrix composites, Compos. Sci. Technol., 64(2004), No. 12, p. 1843.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Y. Xing, N.Y. Li, C.J. Li, et al., Effects of size and oxidation treatment for SiC particles on the microstructures and mechanical properties of SiCp/Al composites prepared by powder metallurgy, Mater. Sci. Eng. A, 851(2022), art. No. 143664.

  43. J.F. Archard Contact and rubbing of flat surfaces, J. Appl. Phys., 24(1953), No. 8, p. 981.

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  44. M. Moazami-Goudarzi and F. Akhlaghi, Wear behavior of Al5252 alloy reinforced with micrometric and nanometric SiC particles, Tribol. Int., 102(2016), p. 28.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  45. C. Subramanian, Some considerations towards the design of a wear resistant aluminium alloy, Wear, 155(1992), No. 1, p. 193.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  46. L. Wang, B.X. Dong, F. Qiu, et al., Dry sliding friction and wear characterization of in situ TiC/Al-Cu3.7–Mg1.3 nanocomposites with nacre-like structures, J. Mater. Res. Technol., 9(2020), No. 1, p. 641.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgement

We are grateful for the financial support from Ningbo In-considerably lower amount of wear debris because it contains more intermetallics than the 0Ni composite. Intermetallics contribute to the improved wear resistance of the 2Ni composite at room and high temperatures. Moreover, the addition of Ni is beneficial for improving the strength of Al alloys and composites, especially at high temperatures. This work elucidates how the high-temperature mechanical properties and wear resistance of Al-Si alloys and their composites can be improved through the addition of Ni.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China

    Yanyu Liu, Lina Jia, Zuheng Jin & Hu Zhang

  2. Ningbo Institute of Technology, Beihang University, Ningbo, 315100, China

    Yanyu Liu, Wenbo Wang & Hu Zhang

  3. Qingdao Research Institute of Beihang University, Qingdao, 266000, China

    Yanyu Liu, Zuheng Jin & Hu Zhang

  4. Research Institute for Frontier Science, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China

    Lina Jia & Hu Zhang

Authors
  1. Yanyu Liu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Lina Jia
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Wenbo Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Zuheng Jin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Hu Zhang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Lina Jia.

Ethics declarations

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Liu, Y., Jia, L., Wang, W. et al. Effect of Ni content on the wear behavior of Al-Si-Cu-Mg-Ni/SiC particles composites. Int J Miner Metall Mater 31, 374–383 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-023-2701-y

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-023-2701-y

Keywords

Search

Navigation