Manganese-nitrogen-sulphur surface layers produced on aluminium alloys

The main reason of the surface modification of the components such as pistons and cylinder blocks made of cast aluminium alloys is to obtain high hardness, wear and corrosion resistance of the working surface for larger lifetime of the motor-car and aircraft engines. In that aspect, the new conception of creating - by hybrid method - surface layers containing manganese, nitrogen and sulphur (Mn-N-S) on aluminium alloys was considered. These layers are diffusively connected with aluminium base, have high hardness and good tribological properties. The aim of this paper is to present the influence of the above mentioned consolidation method on microstructure, phase composition, microhardness, wear and corrosion characteristics of the surface layer produced on AlSi13Mg1CuNi alloy.