Lightweight materials for automotive applications/topic 2: Wear resistant aluminum alloy

The replacement of cast iron by aluminum alloys in automotive engine blocks and heads represents a significant weight reduction in automobiles. The primary hurdle to the widespread use of aluminum alloy engine blocks in the North American automobile industry was high cost. The lack of wear resistance in most aluminum alloys added to manufacturing cost, since expensive procedures such as the incorporation of cast iron liners or special coatings were needed to achieve the required wear properties. The project targeted the development of a wear resistant aluminum alloy, as well as tools and the knowledge-base required to design the casting process, to allow it to be cast economically into engine blocks without the use of a cast iron liner or special coating, thereby providing benefits to both the material and manufacturing aspects of the process. The project combined the alloy development, wear and microstructural characterization, and casting modeling capabilities of the laboratory with the partners extensive alloy and casting process development and manufacturing experience to develop a suitable wear resistant aluminum alloy and casting process