Research Information System
Materials Testing-Materials And Components Technology And Application, vol.62, no.12, pp.1243-1250, 2020 (SCI-Expanded)
In this study, the tribological properties of 7075 aluminum alloy produced
by ultrasonic melt treatment (UST) are investigated. Tribological
properties of untreated and ultrasonically treated samples under dry
and lubricated sliding conditions were analyzed experimentally by the
block on ring test method. Worn surfaces of untreated and ultrasonically
treated samples were scanned by 3D optical profilometer and analyzed
to search out wear characteristics in the material. Furthermore, microstructural
examinations were conducted to investigate the beneficial
effects of UST on the microstructural properties of the alloy using optical
and scanning electron microscopy. According to the results obtained,
UST refines the α-Al phase of the alloy and disperses precipitates to
grain boundaries more uniformly. Also, hardness and density of the
alloy increased through the effect of UST. Due to these favorable effects,
the wear resistance of the alloy increased and the worn surfaces of the
ultrasonically treated samples exhibited lower surface roughness
according to 3D surface roughness measurements.