Microstructure and Wear Resistance of Mg2Si–Al Composites Fabricated Using Semi-Solid Extrusion

Abstract

In situ Mg2Si–Al composites were prepared by using gravity casting and semi-solid extrusion. After P modification, the primary Mg2Si transformed to polygonal blocks. Extraction tests showed that the Mg2Si crystals had octahedral and tetrakaidekahedral morphologies. The semi-solid microstructure of the double-spheroidized α-Al matrix and reinforced-phase Mg2Si was successfully obtained by using semi-solid extrusion. Extraction tests showed that the Mg2Si crystals had a spherical morphology. Dry sliding wear behaviors of in situ Mg2Si–Al composites fabricated by using gravity casting and semi-solid extrusion with isothermal heat treatment holding times of 50, 60, and 160 min against 45 steel, under conditions of different sliding speeds and loads, were investigated. The worn surfaces were analyzed using SEM and EDS techniques. The results showed that Mg2Si–Al composites fabricated by using semi-solid extrusion were superior in terms of wear resistance to Mg2Si–Al composites fabricated by using gravity casting, because the former had uniformly distributed spherical reinforced phase particles of Mg2Si with weaker stress concentration around the particles, delaying the generation and expansion of cracks. The Mg2Si particles were not easily detached from the matrix, and once they fell off, the Mg2Si particles only served as spherical abrasive grains, with relatively small cutting and wear properties for the composite material. It was found that the Mg2Si/Al composite fabricated by using semi-solid extrusion with an isothermal heat treatment holding time of 60 min had the best wear resistance. The failure mechanisms of Mg2Si/Al composites were found to be mainly adhesive wear and abrasive wear.