Effect of composite surface treatments on wear performance of Al-Si alloy cylinder liner

Purpose The purpose of this study is to prolong the service life of the Al–Si alloy cylinder and achieve the objective of energy saving and emission reduction by the composite treatments. Design/methodology/approach Chemical etching + laser texturing + filled MoS 2 composite treatment was applied to the friction surface of aluminum–silicon (Al–Si) alloy cylinder. The friction coefficient and wear loss were measured to characterize the tribology property of cylinders. Findings The composite-treated Al–Si alloy cylinder had the lowest friction coefficient and weight loss. The friction coefficient and weight loss of the composite treatment were approximately 27.08% and 54.17% lower than those of the untreated sample, respectively. The laser micro-textures control the release of solid lubricant to the interface of friction pairs slowly, which prolongs the service life of cylinders. Originality/value The synergistic effect of the chemical etching + laser texturing + filled MoS2 modified the tribology properties of Al–Si alloy cylinder. The chemical etching raised the silicon particles to bear the load, and laser micro-textures control the release of solid lubricant to improve the lubrication property.