Experimental characterization of mechanical and tribological properties of aluminium-silicon-lead metal matrix composite for automotive applications

Aluminum silica alloys have wide-spread applications in tribological components such as clutches, cylinder liners & pistons in the automotive industry owing to its relative lightness & good thermal conductivity. The presence of silicon results in reduction of the co-efficient of thermal expansion of aluminum & produces an alloy with good casting machining & corrosion characteristics. Further it is reported that addition of lead, improves the mechanical properties which in turn has profound influence on the mechanical characteristics of Al-Si alloys. Meager information is available as regards the tribological characteristics & mechanical properties of heat treated Al-SiPb alloy. In the light of above the present investigation deals with preparation of cast Al-Si-Pb alloy from LM13 Aluminum alloy for different weight % of Lead followed by heat treatment. Micro structural studies, tensile test, micro hardness tests were conducted to evaluate the mechanical properties of Al-Si-Pb alloy before & after heat treatment. Addition of lead followed by heat treatment has resulted in improved tensile strength, micro hardness of Al-Si alloy.