The Tribological Behavior of an In-Situ Processed Magnesium Alloy-Based Metal Matrix Composite

Magnesium alloy-based in-situ processed composite [RZ5/10 wt.% TiB2] was synthesized using self-propagating high-temperature synthesis route and its tribological behavior was investigated for the purpose of applications in the aerospace industry. The wear behavior of both magnesium alloy (RZ5) and magnesium alloy-based composite [RZ5/10 wt.% TiB2] was studied using pin-on-disc wear testing apparatus. The wear characteristics were analysed under different loading conditions of 10, 20 and 30 N, and for sliding distance of 1000, 2000 and 3000 m. A significant improvement in the wear resistance was observed by the addition of titanium diboride (TiB2) reinforcement to the RZ5 magnesium alloy matrix. It is concluded that with an increase in the applied load, the wear loss reveals a noticeable increase with a corresponding decrease in the coefficient of friction. Moreover, with an increase in sliding distance, both wear loss and coefficient of friction were observed to increase. The morphology of the worn surface of the magnesium alloy-based metal matrix composite [RZ5/10 wt.% TiB2] at the different operating conditions was examined using an optical profilometer and a field emission scanning electron microscope.

Automated summary

The wear resistance of magnesium alloy can be significantly improved by adding TiB2 reinforcement to the matrix, but as the load and sliding distance increase, both wear loss and coefficient of friction will also increase.