Effect of Mn addition on Fe-rich intermetallics morphology and dry sliding wear investigation of hypereutectic Al-17.5%Si alloys

The effect of Manganese addition on the iron-rich intermetallics and wear behavior of Al-17.5%Si hypereutectic alloys has been studied. Dry sliding wear tests have been conducted using a pin-on-disk machine under different normal loads of 18, 51, 74 and 100 N and at a constant sliding speed of 0.3 m/s. The addition of 1.2 wt.% Fe to the base alloy increased the wear rate due to the formation of needle beta intermetallics. Introducing 0.6 wt.% Mn to the iron-rich alloy changed the beta intermetallics into the modified alpha phases, and therefore reduced the detrimental effect of iron. Mn addition up to 0.9 wt.% to the 1.8Fe alloy did not impede formation of needle-like intermetallic compounds and had no positive effect on the modification of microstructure.