Effect of ECAP on sliding wear behaviour of Mg-Zn-Gd-Zr alloy

Abstract

Magnesium is a lightweight, recyclable, and biocompatible material. However, the extensive commercial use of Magnesium and its alloys is hindered by their poor wear behaviour and mechanical properties. Equal Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP) is a severe plastic deformation technique which improves the material properties through grain refinement. In the present study, wear behaviour of ECAP processed Mg-Zn-Gd-Zr alloy was investigated. ECAP process was carried out up to 3 passes at a temperature of 380 °C. Wear testing of as-cast and ECAP processed alloy were carried out using dry sliding wear method on a pin on disk tribometer by varying loads. The wear mechanism was analysed using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). Average Coefficient of Friction (COF) increased after each pass of ECAP. Wear rate increased with the applied load. Despite severe plastic deformation, wear resistance of ECAP processed samples was found to be lower than that of as-cast samples at higher loads. Abrasive and oxidation wear mechanisms were found in both as-cast and ECAP processed samples. © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.