Abstract
The influence of copper coatings prepared by a pack diffusion method on tribological properties of aluminiumalloys has been investigated. Powder mixtures were used in order to form metallic copper and to diffuse it into an aluminium alloy. The treatments were carried out at a range of temperatures and times to optimise the coating thickness and to control the formation of intermetallic phases on aluminium. Coatings and interface regions were examined by scanning electron and optical microscopy, X-ray analysis, and microhardness measurements. Tribological tests were conducted on a reciprocating wear testing machine under dry conditions and the worn surfaces were examined by SEM. The results show that copper coatings produced by pack diffusion have good adhesion to the aluminium substrate, offer a low coefficient of friction, andprevent the galling of aluminium to steel. Near the interface regions, diffusion zones develop and hard intermetallic phases are produced. The effect of increasing thickness was to increase the load bearing capacity of the coating. Experimental findings also suggest that diffusion copper coatings make a suitable base on aluminium parts for soldering or plating operations.
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