Microstructure and dry sliding wear resistance of a Cr₁₃Ni ₅Si₂ ternary metal silicide alloy

Wear resistant Cr-Ni-Si metal silicide alloy with a microstructure primarily consisting of ternary metal silicide Cr₁₃Ni ₅Si₂ primary dendrites was fabricated by the laser melting (Lasmelt) process using Cr-Ni-Si elemental powder blends as the precursor materials. Microstructure of the alloy was characterized by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Wear resistance of the Cr₁₃Ni₅Si₂ alloy was evaluated under dry sliding wear test conditions at room temperature. Results indicate that the Cr₁₃Ni₅Si₂-based metal silicide alloy has excellent wear resistance under dry sliding wear test conditions.