Investigation of dry sliding wear properties of multi-directional forged Mg–Zn alloys

Effect of multi-directional forging (MDF) on wear properties of Mg–Zn alloys (with 2, 4, and 6 wt% Zn) is investigated. Dry sliding wear test was performed using pin on disk machine on MDF processed and homogenized samples. Wear behavior of samples was analyzed at loads of 10 N and 20 N, with sliding distances of 2000 m and 4000 m, at a sliding velocity of 3 m/s. Microstructures of worn samples were observed under scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and x-ray diffraction (XRD) and the results were analyzed. Mechanical properties were evaluated using microhardness test. After 5 passes of MDF, the average grain size was found to be 30 ± 4 µm, 22 ± 3 µm, and 18 ± 3 µm, in Mg–2%Zn, Mg–4%Zn, and Mg–6%Zn alloys, respectively, with significant improvement in hardness in all cases. Wear resistance was improved after MDF processing, as well as, with increment in Zn content in Mg alloy. However, it decreased when the load and the sliding distance increased. Worn surface exhibited ploughing, delamination, plastic deformation, and wear debris along sliding direction, and abrasive wear was found to be the main mechanism.