A comparative study of the wear behavior of as-cast and hot extruded ZE41A magnesium alloy

Dry sliding wear tests were performed on as-cast and hot extruded ZE41A magnesium alloy using pin-on-disc (EN32 steel) configuration. Wear rates were measured in an applied load range of 30-150 N. sliding velocity range of 0.5-2.5 m/s and at a constant sliding distance of 1500 m. Microstructures of worn surfaces were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). Wear maps were drawn. The dominant wear mechanisms in each wear regime were identified and classified in wear mechanism maps. Extruded alloy showed better wear resistance and exhibited good tribological properties than as-cast alloy due to grain refinement, decrease in porosity, strengthening and hardening of the material. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.