Aluminum addition to AISI 52100 steel: Initial assessment on impact to mechanical properties and tribological performance and pathways for improvement

Journal Article · Thu Mar 26 00:00:00 UTC 2026 · Wear

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wear.2026.206680 · OSTI ID:3030444

Wang, Wenbo  ^[1]; Pienta, David ^[1]; Lin, Lianshan  ^[1]; Pierce, Dean T.  ^[1]; Qu, Jun  ^[1]

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1. Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)

Here, in the transportation industry, reducing component weight is an effective strategy to improve fuel efficiency and lower emissions. Martensitic AISI 52100 steel is commonly used in drivetrain bearing components due to its high strength and excellent tribological performance. To achieve lightweighting without sacrificing mechanical properties and tribological behavior, this study explored the 52100 steel alloy modified by introducing nominally 5 wt% aluminum. The addition of aluminum led to an approximately 6% density reduction, however, it resulted in reduced hardness, strength and wear resistance, in part due to stabilization of a substantial amount of ferrite, as suggested by microstructural examination. Introducing 0.15 wt% additional carbon reduced the ferrite and demonstrated feasibility of mitigating the mechanical and tribological degradation caused by aluminum. This case study provides fundamental insights into the balance between lightweighting and mechanical/tribological performance for steel alloys, serving as a reference for further development of lightweight bearing steels.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Office of Sustainable Transportation. Vehicle Technologies Office (VTO)
• Grant/Contract Number: AC05-00OR22725
• OSTI ID: 3030444
• Journal Information: Wear, Journal Name: Wear Vol. 595; ISSN 0043-1648
• Publisher: ElsevierCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English