Effect of Ni and Si Addition to Al-8Si-0.4Mg Alloy

An investigation is being carried out to determine the effect of varying Ni content on the Al-8Si-0.4Mg alloy and the effect of varying Si content on the Al-0.4Mg-Si-2Ni alloy. The following mechanical properties are studied: 1.Microstructure. 2. Hardness. 3. Tensile properties (ultimate tensile strength (UTS), yield strength (YS), % elongation (%EL)) 4. Wear rate. 5. CoF (Coefficient of friction) and 6.Hot tensile properties (UTS, YS, % EL). The type of the intermediate phase that forms during solidification in the Ni added and Si added alloys is investigated in this study. The Al-8Si-0.4Mg base alloy was melted in an electric furnace and Ni was added to the melt in the appropriate amount (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 wt %). Similarly the Al-0.4Mg-Si-2Ni alloy was melted and Si was added to the melt in the appropriate amount (4, 8, 12 and 16 wt%). The melt was cast in a metal mould. Test specimens were solutionised at 537°C for 12 hrs. The water quenched specimens were then aged at 155°C for 3 hrs.