Dry sliding wear behaviour of ZE41A magnesium alloy

Wear resistance of the ZE41A magnesium alloy was tested using pin-on-disc technique and steel as counterbody on dry sliding conditions. Wear rates and friction coefficients were measured in a sliding velocity range of 0.1–1 m s−1 and in a normal forces range of 5–40 N. Worn tracks and wear debris were studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-Ray spectrometer (EDX) to define the main wear mechanism for each testing condition. Wear mechanism map of the studied alloy was proposed. Low sliding velocities led to oxidative wear mechanism regardless of the load used, with a small participation of abrasion and delamination mechanisms. Intermediate speeds led to a predominant abrasion mechanism with participation of oxidation. At high speeds the main mechanism changed from abrasion at low loads to delamination at intermediate loads and to plastic deformation at high loads.