Rounded silicon edges on the surface of Al-Si alloy cylinder liner by means of mechanical grinding treatment

In order to expose the silicon particles above surface and round the edges at the same time, a new mechanical grinding machine for surface treatment had been designed. The specimen surfaces had been modified by different grinding time (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 min). The Al-Si alloy cylinder liner which had been ground for 2 min (silicon protrusion height was 1.243 µm) presented a better wear behavior. Mechanical grinding completely removed the aluminum layer but at the same time increasing the silicon exposure. The edges of silicon which had been rounded reduce the stress concentration. It was attributed to the prevention of metal to metal contact, which resulted in the low friction coefficient and weight loss.