Densification behaviour of Al-Pb alloys –A study of effect of certain process parameters

Abstract

The recent research into the alternate sliding bearing materials unequivocally point to the beneficial role of lead in aluminum. But, these alloys offer a manufacturing challenge, due to wide immiscibility gap. For sliding bearing applications, controlled porosity (size, distribution and nature) is an important consideration, as it influences the tribological performance through mechanical properties and spreading of lead in aluminum matrix. In the present investigation, the effects of alloy composition, ball to charge ratio and mixing/milling route on densification behaviour of Al-Pb alloys processed through conventional ball milling and attrition milling routes, using XRD, SEM and compressibility test are studied. The resulting morphological changes of powder complexes are examined, on five compositions of alloys to determine compaction response. The study concludes that attrition milling is an effective method for densification of experimental alloys.