Abstract
Aluminum base alloys containing chromium (Cr) and zinc (Zn) were produced using extrusion and powder metallurgy techniques. Cr additions ranged between 5 to 10 wt. %, while Zn was added in an amount between 0 and 20 wt. %. Heat treatment processes were performed during powder metallurgy process, at different temperatures, followed by water quenching. Similar alloys were extruded with an extrusion ratio of 4.6 to get proper densification. Optical microscopy was used for microstructure investigations of the alloys investigated. The element distribution microstructure study was carried out using the Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis method. Hardness and tensile properties of the investigated alloys have been examined. Wear resistance tests were carried out and the results were compared with these of the Al-based bulk alloys. Results showed that the aluminum base alloys, containing 10 wt. % Cr and heat treated at 500 degrees C for one hour followed by water quenching, exhibited the highest wear resistance and better mechanical properties.