Application of Microscopic Methods to the Study on the Surface Layers of Aluminum Alloys after Tribotechnical Testing

By using a combination of electron and probe microscopy, the effect of the additives of low-melting alloying elements introduced into antifriction Al–5% Si–4% Cu–4% Sn aluminum alloys exerted on the surface change after tribotechnical testing has been studied. Electron microscopic (SEM) studies have shown that, in the course of friction, the deformation of grains, the release of a soft phase to the surface, and mass transfer occur. It has been found by means of scanning probe microscopy (SPM) that the thermal conductivity map at the microlevel correlates with the electrical conductivity map, which makes it possible to measure the electrical conductivity in order to assess the thermal properties.