A study on sliding wear of a 7075 aluminum alloy

In this study, the effect of retrogression and reaging (RRA) treatment on dry sliding and corrosive wear properties of 7075 aluminum alloy, which was received originally in the T6 temper condition, has been investigated. Retrogression was carried out at four different temperatures between 170 and 380 °C for 60 s. Following the retrogression, alloys were reaged at 120 °C for 24 h. Wear tests were conducted on a ball-on-disc-type wear tester by rubbing Al2O3 balls against the surfaces of the alloys. Corrosive wear tests were carried out in a 30 g/l NaCl+10 g/l HCl solution. Retrogression at 220 and 240 °C improved the dry sliding wear resistance when compared to the T6 temper. However, RRA-treated alloys exhibited higher corrosive wear rate than that of the T6-tempered alloy. Worn surface examinations revealed the wear mechanisms as adhesion for the dry sliding wear and abrasion for the corrosive wear.