Microstructure, Mechanical, and wear analysis of hypereutectic AlSi composite reinforced with rare earth element

The strength of hypereutectic AlSi alloy is crucial, and investigations have been conducted to enhance it through various means for a specific application. Different percentage contents from 0.1 to 1.0 wt.% of the rare earth element Gd were added to ADC 14 hypereutectic AlSi alloy. The composite specimens were prepared via controlled stir casting, and mechanical, microstructural, and wear analyses were conducted in accordance with ASTM standards. The experimental results showed that the highest value of ultimate tensile strength (UTS), percent elongation and hardness at 249.59 MPa, 0.062% and 87.6 VHM, respectively, were obtained for a 0.3 wt.% Gd content in the hypereutectic composite. Furthermore, the hypereutectic composite at 0.3 wt. of Gd exhibited better wear rate of 5.8E−4 and material removal rate. The hypereutectic AlSi composite´ microstructure showed that the addition of Gd greatly improved the Si particles, making them finer and more equiaxed (42−63μm to 17−27μm ), especially at 0.3 and 0.5 weight percent of Gd. According to the experimental results obtained, the hypereutectic composite´s mechanical, micro-structural, and wear properties were enhanced 5%, 57% and 17% respectively by the addition of Gd.