Cover
Vol. 16 No. 2 (2025)

Published: December 15, 2025

Pages: 202-212

Research Paper

Influence Study of the Antimony Element Sb on the Tribological and Mechanical characteristics of the Al-11% Si Alloy

Bilal Ahmed Hbeeb 1
1Collage of production Engineering and metallurgical, University of Technology, Baghdad - Iraq.
History
  • Received: October 2, 2025
  • Revised: November 14, 2025
  • Accepted: December 13, 2025
  • Available Online: December 15, 2025
DOI

https://doi.org/10.37649/AJES-25-035

Abstract

Aluminum alloys are widely used in various industrial applications due to their low weight and favorable mechanical properties. Consequently, extensive research has been conducted to further enhance these properties. In this study, the Al-11%Si alloy was modified by adding varying amounts of antimony (Sb) metal powder: (0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 wt %), to enhance the mechanical characteristics including the tribological and tensile behavior. The mechanical properties of the modified alloys were thoroughly evaluated. The optimal mechanical performance was achieved with the addition of 0.3% and 0.4% Sb. The casting process involved melting a measured amount of the Al-11%Si alloy at 720 °C in an electric furnace. Antimony powder was then introduced into the melt, which was stirred at 250 r.p.m. for 5 minutes at three stages to form a vortex and ensure uniform dispersion of the modifier. The melt temperature was carefully monitored and controlled using a thermocouple before being poured into a carbon steel mold. Several tests were conducted on the modified alloys, including microstructural analysis, hardness, tensile strength, surface roughness, and wear resistance assessments. The addition of the antimony element (Sb) was found to significantly refine the microstructure and transform the morphology of silicon particles from a flake-like or lamellar form to a more fibrous structure. Furthermore, Sb additions of 0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.2% wt improved micro hardness (Hv), yield strength (YS), and ultimate tensile strength (UTS), while simultaneously reducing surface roughness (Ra) and wear-rate (Wr).

Keywords

References

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