Dual measurement system for surface texture characterization of a Zirconium-Modified aluminum alloy

The work discusses the characteristics of the AlSi5Cu2Mg aluminum alloy with and without Zr addition. Three types of samples were prepared: plate (A) without Zr, plate (B) with 0.1 wt% Zr, and plate (C) with 0.2 wt% Zr. 100Cr6 steel balls were used as counter-bodies in tribological tests. Initially, the surface texture of all samples was analyzed to assess their potential functional properties. A confocal microscope was used to analyze surface topography, while a scanning electron microscope was used to observe surface morphology. Then, ball-on-plate tribological tests were performed to evaluate the effects of Zr addition on the tribological properties (wear intensity and friction coefficient). Finally, the operational surface was examined to describe the worn surface texture, including morphology, topography, and wear traces, as well as wear mechanisms such as grooving, micro-cutting, abrasive polishing, and adhesion. The findings from this dual-measurement system demonstrate that increased Zr content promotes specific surface-texture parameters while simultaneously improving tribological performance by decreasing the coefficients of friction, wear intensity, and the size of wear traces. The best results were achieved at 0.2 wt% Zr.