Temperature‐dependent wear characteristics of ZE41 magnesium alloy under air and inert environments

Abstract

Dry sliding wear behaviour of ZE41 magnesium alloy was evaluated under the air and argon environment at room temperature, 125 °C, and 250 °C. The coefficient of friction was increased with increasing the test temperature. At room temperature and 125 °C, the friction coefficient was reduced in the argon environment. However, at 250 °C, the friction coefficient in the argon environment was measured as higher compared to that of the tests conducted in the air environment. The wear rate increased with the increasing temperature. However, a lower wear rate was observed in the case of argon atmosphere than in air for all the test temperatures. Abrasion and delamination were dominant wear mechanisms at room temperature and 125 °C, whereas at 250 °C, thermal softening and shearing were found to be dominant. Furthermore, oxidation wear was observed as the prominent mechanism in the air environment.