Unidirectional dry sliding wear analysis of ZE41 magnesium alloy

Abstract

Magnesium alloys have many characteristics like good castability, high strength to-weight ratio and good amenability. The ZE41 magnesium alloy consists of zirconium (Zr), zinc (Zn) and rare earth elements. Magnesium alloys have many application in aerospace, automotive industries and biomedical implants. Microstructure is shown for ZE41 magnesium alloy Wear rates are measured for ZE41 magnesium alloy using pin-on-disk experiment setup. Rate of wear and coefficient of friction is measured for 10N-20N range at sliding velocity of 0.5 m/s with constant sliding distance of 300 meters. It is observed that load is not affecting coefficient of friction significantly but there is decrement in the value of CoF when load is increased from 10N to 15N. Wear behaviour in initial condition is different but it is converging to general which means more the load more will be the wear. Wear mechanism is abrasion for low loads then slightly changes to delamination.