Dry wear properties of Aluminum Alloy 6061 hardened with ceramic powders using diffusion method

Abstract

Surface hardening of metals is one of the efficient ways to give the metal new mechanical properties that are not present in the original metal.

In this paper, the effect of the type and size of the ceramic powder, temperature and time on the rate of diffusion of a number of ceramic powders across the surface of the AA 6061 was studied, and thus the amount of increase in hardness and wear resistance in the surface of this alloy. Several ceramic powders were used, such as sand, metakaolin, and iron oxide, with a granular size not exceeding 74 microns.

The results of the examination of the research samples showed an increase in the values ​​of hardness and wear resistance compared to the original sample (AA 6061without addition).

The hardness and microscopy results also showed that temperature and time have an effect on diffusion rates. This relationship was not linear, as the aspect ratio of both the hardness and wear resistance values ​​decreased with increasing temperature diffusion time.

The results also confirmed that the hardness and wear resistance of AA 6061 samples are proportional to the hardness value of the ceramic powder scattered in it.