Influence of Heat Treatment on Friction Behaviour of Aluminium 6063 Using Ring Compression Under Lubrication

 This research presents an extended study on the influence of heat treatment on the tribological behavior of aluminium alloy 6063 using the ring compression test under lubricated conditions. Ring specimens were heat-treated at four different annealing temperatures (365, 415, 465, and 565°C) for 2.5 hours and cooled in a furnace. Friction coefficient (μ), friction factor (m), and hardness values were systematically evaluated. Results indicate that annealing between 365°C and 415°C significantly reduces hardness and consequently lowers μ and m under applied loads of 20T, 25T, and 30T. This suggests that microstructural recovery and softening at these annealing ranges facilitate lubrication effectiveness. The optimum condition was obtained at 415°C and ≥25T, which resulted in the lowest friction values.