The Effect of Si Morphology on Machinability of Al-Si Alloys

Abstract

Many of the cast parts require some sort of machining like milling, drilling to be used as a finished product. In order to improve the wear properties of Al alloys, Si is added. The solubility of Si in Al is quite low and it has a crystallite type structure. It behaves as particulate metal matrix composite which makes it an attractive element. Thus, the wear and machinability properties of these type of alloys depend on the morphology of Si in the matrix. In this work, Sr was added to alter the morphology of Si in Al-7Si and Al-12Si. Cylindrical shaped samples were cast and machinability characteristics of Sr addition was studied. The relationship between microstructure and machinability was evaluated.