Method for Producing a Wear-Resistant Aluminum Alloy,An Aluminum Alloy Obtained According to the Method, and Ues Thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a wear-resistant aluminum alloy, to an aluminum alloy produced according to the method, and to the use thereof. The method comprises the steps of: (i) providing an aluminum alloy having the composition Fe: 3-10; X: 3-10; Y: 0-1.5; Z: 0-10; wherein X represents an element or combination of elements (a) V and Si; (b) Cr and Ti; (c) Ce; or (d) Mn; each time with the proviso that the proportion of the individual elements in the combinations of elements (a) and (b) is at least 0.5 wt %; Y represents one or more grain-refining elements selected from the group of B, Ce, Sr, Sc, Mg, Nb, Mn and Zr, unless already present as X; Z represents one or more additives increasing the heat resistance, selected from the group of ceramic fibers, particles and platelets, the figures referring to % by weight in the alloy, and Al and production-related impurities representing the remaining proportion in the alloy to make 100 wt %, with the proviso that the proportion of Al in the alloy is at least 80 wt %; (ii) melting the aluminum alloy, dissolving and homogenizing the alloy elements at temperatures of from 650° C. to 1,000° C.; and (iii) casting the melt into a casting mold at a casting temperature ranging from the melting temperature of the alloy up to a temperature 150° C. above the melting temperature.

1 . A method for producing a wear-resistant aluminum alloy, comprising the steps of:
 (i) providing an aluminum alloy having the composition
 Fe: 3-10; 
 X: 3-10; 
 Y: 0-1.5; 
 Z: 0-10; 
    wherein    X represents an element or combination of elements
 (a) V and Si; 
 (b) Cr and Ti; 
 (c) Ce; or 
 (d) Mn; 
    each time with the proviso that the proportion of the individual elements in the combinations of elements (a) and (b) is at least 0.5 wt %;    Y represents one or more grain-refining elements selected from the group of B, Ce, Sr, Sc, Mg, Nb, Mn and Zr, unless already present as X;    Z represents one or more additives increasing the heat resistance, selected from the group of ceramic fibers, particles and platelets;    the figures referring to % by weight in the alloy, and Al and production-related impurities representing the remaining proportion in the alloy to make 100 wt %, with the proviso that the proportion of Al in the alloy is at least 80 wt %;   (ii) melting the aluminum alloy, dissolving and homogenizing the alloy elements at temperatures of from 650° C. to 1,000° C.; and   (iii) casting the melt into a casting mold at a casting temperature ranging from the melting temperature of the alloy up to a temperature 150° C. above the melting temperature.   
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the casting temperature in step (iii) is in the range of 1° C. to 80° C. above the melting temperature of the alloy. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein the casting temperature in step (iii) is in the range of 10° C. to 50° C. above the melting temperature of the alloy. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the temperature of the casting mold ranges from 450° C. to 600° C. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the alloy includes 4-8 wt % of Fe. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the alloy includes 3-5 wt % of X. 
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the alloy includes 0.5-0.8 wt % of Y. 
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein X represents the combination of elements (a) and the share of Si is smaller than or equal to 2 wt %. 
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein X represents the combination of elements (a) and the share of Si is smaller than or equal to 1 wt %. 
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the steps (ii) and (iii) form part of a metallurgic melt casting process selected from the group of sand casting, pressure casting, continuous casting, thin-strip casting, centrifugal casting and cold crucible process. 
     
     
         11 . An aluminum alloy, produced or obtainable according to the method of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         12 . Use of the aluminum alloy according to  claim 11  in the production of sliding elements in crankshaft bearing shells, cylinder faces, piston rings, pistons, valve guides, bearing bushes or bearing shells.