Microstructural and Tribological Characteristics of Al–10Cu–Fe alloy Produced by Vertical Centrifugal Casting process

Abstract

In this study, an attempt has been made to produce Al–10Cu–Fe alloy by vertical centrifugal casting at speeds ranging from 800 to 2850 rpm. The microstructural features, mechanical and wear properties have been investigated. The microstructure of Al–10Cu–Fe alloy consists of equiaxed grain morphology of the primary α-phase with eutectic phases in the interdendritic regions. It has been observed that there is a variation in the grain size from the inner surface of the casting to its outer surface. The speed also has a strong influence on the grain size and subsequent mechanical properties of the alloy. The wear properties of the alloy have been evaluated at a constant sliding velocity of 1 m/s for a range of applied load and sliding distance. The variations in the wear behavior are attributed to the size and solidification morphology of the castings. © 2018, The Indian Institute of Metals - IIM.