Effect of Microstructural Characteristics on the Fretting Wear Behavior of 2A70 Aluminum Alloy with Different Grain Size Grades
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Fretting wear behavior of 2A70 forged aluminum alloy with different grain size grades was investigated. Specimens (Grades 3.5 and 5) were tested against 42CrMoA steel at 115 °C under 40 and 240 μm amplitudes and 90–150 N loads. EBSD characterized the microstructural features, while SEM and laser confocal microscopy analyzed the wear surfaces. Grade 5 exhibited fine equiaxed grains, higher high-angle grain boundary (HAGB) density, lower second-phase content, and weaker texture. Grade 3.5 showed mixed grains, lower boundary density, and a higher unindexed fraction possibly originating from unindexed Al9FeNi particles as well as local micro-defects. At 40 μm, the microstructural effect was minor. At 240 μm, Grade 5 showed stable friction, lower wear depth, finer debris, and a continuous compacted layer. Conversely, Grade 3.5 showed fluctuating friction, higher and non-monotonic wear depth, coarse debris, and discontinuous compacted layers with microcracks. The anomalous maximum wear depth of Grade 3.5 at 90 N may be attributed to severe third-body abrasion before a protective layer forms. The superior wear resistance of Grade 5 is the result of the combined effect of multiple microstructural parameters, primarily driven by dense HAGBs, microstructural uniformity, and weak texture.
Source: Metals
DOI: 10.3390/met16111226
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanics of Materials
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
OpenAlex ID: W7225635511