Influence of Zn Addition on Micro-scale Wear of Mg-xZn (x=1-6 wt%) Alloys

The effect of Zn addition on the scratch-induced wear response of Mg-xZn (x = 1-6 wt%) was investigated. The alloys were studied, at room temperature, for 100 and 400 mN loads in single-pass scratch and continuous scratch mode. Scanning electron microscope and optical profilometer were used to investigate the influence of load and continuous scratching on the wear and deformation mechanisms. The empirical relationships have been proposed to capture the dependence of wear rate on Zn concentration. For dilute Mg-Zn alloy, the wear rate was found to be more concentration dependent than the concentrated alloys. This was attributed to the softening effect of Zn on the non-basal slip systems. Additionally, the role of Zn solute in affecting the strain-hardening behaviour during continuous scratching has been discussed.