Variation in Composition of Aluminium Alloy Al6463 on Wear Characteristics and Compressive Strength

Abstract

Aluminium is one of the widely used metals in industrial sector owing to its specific features and its commercial production started in late 19th century. In its natural form it is combined with oxygen and other elements and is the third most abundant metal in the earth’s crust. It can be machined easily and has a Face Centred Cubic (FCC) structure. Aluminium alloys are an attractive alternative to ferrous materials for tribological applications due to their low density and high thermal conductivity. The microstructure of aluminium alloys can be modified and mechanical properties can be improved by alloying, cold working and heat treatment. The present work mainly focuses on the study of the effect of variation in composition on the wear characteristics and compressive strength of aluminium alloy Al6463 by varying the compositions of the two major alloying elements, Magnesium (Mg) and Silicon (Si) in the alloy. Four specimens of the aluminium alloy Al6463 are prepared each for Magnesium composition varying b/w (0.5 to 0.875%) and Silicon composition varying b/w (0.2 to 0.575%). Wear and compression tests were carried out as per ASTM standard. The results of the wear test indicate that the least wear rate was obtained for specimens of 0.750% Mg and 0.575% Si composition of the alloy Al6463 at a higher load of 1.5 kg. Also, the compression test results indicate that the specimens with 0.750% Mg and 0.575% Si compositions of the alloy Al6463 exhibit better compressive strength.