Effect of Fe-rich intermetallics on the wear behavior of eutectic Al–Si piston alloy (LM13)

In the present study, the effect of Fe-rich intermetallics has been investigated on the wear behavior of eutectic Al–Si alloy (LM13). Dry sliding wear tests have been conducted using a pin-on-disk machine under different normal loads of 18, 51, 74 and 100 N at a constant sliding speed of 0.3 m/s. Addition of 1.2% Fe to the LM13 alloy leads to the formation of the flake like β-intermetallic compounds. These hard compounds initiate micro cracks and can reduce the wear resistance of the alloy. The addition of Mn converts the flake like β-intermetallic compounds to the star-like α-intermetallics and decreases the detrimental effect of iron. Applying high cooling rate during solidification of the alloy containing Fe and Mn, resulted to the formation of finer α-intermetallic compounds and improved the wear behavior of the alloy to a great extent.