Structure and phase composition of hypereutectic silumin alloy Al – 20Si after compression plasma flows impact

Abstract

The results of structure and phase composition investigation in hypereutectic silumin alloy with 20 at. % Si content after high-energy pulsed compression plasma flows impact are presented in the work. The compression plasma flows impact with an absorbed energy density 25– 40 J/cm2 allows to modify the sub-surface layer with a thickness up to 30 –32 µm due to its melting and high rate solidification. By means of X-ray diffraction method, it was found the formation of two silicon phases with different grain sizes. The high-dispersed structure of silicon is presented in the Al – Si eutectic while the silicon phase with coarse grains exists in the primary crystals. The obtained results are the basis for a new method development for nanostructuring of the surface layers of hypereutectic silumin alloys increasing its wear resistance.