Why does oxygen appear in EDS during severe wear on Al 6061 samples?

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In summary, the conversation discusses wear experiments on Al 6061 samples and the appearance of oxygen in the EDS signal after exposure to air. The possibility of metal transfer and the presence of iron oxide on the Al surface during severe wear is also mentioned. The expert suggests that aluminum oxide may appear on the steel surface due to the difference in hardness between aluminum and steel.
  • #1
darkelf
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Hello,

Did some wear experiments on some Al 6061 samples. Could anyone help with some microstructure descriptions (changes) and why oxygen should appear in the EDS of severe wear (70N at a sliding distance of 3000M)?

Also if anyone has any papers on wear reistance or coefficient of friction I sure would appreciate it.

Cheers
 
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  • #2
If you exposed the aluminum to air at all following the wear, I would expect oxygen in the EDS signal. Aluminum oxides rapidly, and if you're doing EDS on the surface, there will be a thin layer of Al2O3.

I'm not sure what you mean by microstructure descriptions.
 
  • #3
Thank you.
If it's been slided against a steel ring, wouldn't metal transfer during severe wear cause Iron Oxide to appear on the Al surface?

Thanks
 
  • #4
I would actually expect aluminum (and therefore aluminum oxide) to appear on the steel surface. The steel is presumably much harder than the aluminum. Because of this, a wear process would wear away the aluminum, leaving the steel mostly intact.
 

What is Al 6061 and why is it important to study its wear properties?

Al 6061 is an aluminum alloy that is commonly used in various industries due to its high strength-to-weight ratio and good corrosion resistance. It is important to study its wear properties in order to understand how it will perform in different applications and how it can be improved for better performance.

What factors affect the wear properties of Al 6061?

The wear properties of Al 6061 can be affected by several factors, such as the composition and microstructure of the alloy, the type of wear (e.g. sliding, rolling, abrasion), the environment (e.g. temperature, humidity), and the applied load and speed.

How are the wear properties of Al 6061 typically evaluated?

The wear properties of Al 6061 are typically evaluated using various tests, such as pin-on-disk, block-on-ring, and ball-on-plate tests. These tests involve sliding or rubbing a sample of the alloy against a harder surface under controlled conditions and measuring the wear rate and other parameters.

What are some common methods for improving the wear resistance of Al 6061?

Some common methods for improving the wear resistance of Al 6061 include alloying with other elements, such as silicon and magnesium, to form harder phases, surface treatments like anodizing or coating, and heat treatments to enhance the microstructure and mechanical properties of the alloy.

What are the potential applications of Al 6061 based on its wear properties?

Due to its good wear resistance and other desirable properties, Al 6061 is used in various applications, including aerospace, automotive, marine, and sporting goods. It is commonly used in components that require high strength and durability, such as aircraft frames, bicycle frames, and engine parts.

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