Effect of Matrix Properties and Sliding Counterface on the Wear Behavior of Magnesium Alloy Metal Matrix Composites

摘要

Sliding wear behavior of two magnesium alloys, namely AM 100 and ZC63, along with their saffil alumina short fiber-reinforced composites, produced by the technique of squeeze infiltration, is the focus of this technical manuscript. The wear tests were conducted against two different types of counterface materials, namely: (i) EN24 Steel, and (ii) SiC abrasive discs, using a pin-on-disc tribometer. Results revealed that for both the discs, the magnesium alloy based metal-matrix composites revealed enhanced wear resistance when compared one-on-one with the unreinforced counterpart. For both the chosen composite systems it was observed that against the EN24 steel disc, the wear rate decreases with an increase in fiber volume fraction, while against the SiC abrasive disc, the wear rate revealed an increase after certain volume fraction of the fiber reinforcement in the magnesium alloy metal matrix. Against both types of counter-faces, the magnesium alloy AM 100 and its composite counterpart showed lower wear rate when compared one-on-one with the magnesium alloy ZC63 and its composite counterpart. The wear behavior of the chosen magnesium alloys, i.e., AM 100 and ZC63 and their composite counterparts is discussed considering the conjoint and mutually interactive influences of nature of the matrix (brittle/ductile), characteristics of the counterface and the role of debris as 'third body' during sliding.