Evaluating Microstructure, Wear Resistance and Tensile Properties of Al-Bi(-Cu, -Zn) Alloys for Lightweight Sliding Bearings

Author(s)

Valenzuela Reyes, Rodrigo Andre ^[1] ; Garcia, Amauri ^[2] ; Spinelli, Jose Eduardo ^{[1, 3]}

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Grad Program Mat Sci & Engn, BR-13565905 Sao Carlos - Brazil

^[2] Univ Estadual Campinas, Dept Mfg & Mat Engn, UNICAMP, BR-13083860 Campinas - Brazil

^[3] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Dept Mat Engn, UFSCar, BR-13565905 Sao Carlos - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: METALS; v. 11, n. 1 JAN 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 0

Abstract

One of the most important routes for obtaining Al-Bi-x monotectic alloys is directional solidification. The control of the thermal solidification parameters under transient heat flow conditions can provide an optimized distribution of the Bismuth (Bi) soft minority phase embedded into an Al-rich matrix. In the present contribution, Al-Bi, Al-Bi-Zn, and Al-Bi-Cu alloys were manufactured through this route with their microstructures characterized and dimensioned based on the solidification cooling rates. The main purpose is to evaluate the influence of typical hardening elements in Al alloys (zinc and copper) in the microstructure, tensile properties, and wear of the monotectic Al-Bi alloy. These additions are welcome in the development of light and more resistant alloys due to the growing demands in new sliding bearing designs. It is demonstrated that the addition of 3.0 wt.% Cu promotes microstructural refining, doubles the wear resistance, and triples the tensile strength with some minor decrease in ductility in relation to the binary Al-3.2 wt.% Bi alloy. With the addition of 3.0 wt.% Zn, although there is some microstructural refining, little contribution can be seen in the application properties. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 19/23673-7 - Evaluation of alloys for thermal interface contact and for additive manufacturing
• Grantee: José Eduardo Spinelli
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants