Preparation and tribological properties of a microemulsion for magnesium alloy warm rolling

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to synthesize a microemulsion and investigate its tribological properties as lubricant. Magnesium alloy warm rolling experiments were conducted. Surface morphology was observed and wear form was summarized. The composition of surface residues was analyzed, which sheds light on the lubrication mechanism of microemulsion. Design/methodology/approach A microemulsion was prepared with a proper amount of oil, surfactant, cosurfactant, water and other additives for magnesium alloy strip warm rolling. Tribological properties, such as maximum non-seizure load (P-B), friction coefficient (mu) and wear scar diameter (D) of the microemulsion were measured and compared with those of emulsion and rolling oil on an MR-10A four-ball tribotester. The extreme pressure anti-wear coefficients (O) were calculated and compared. Warm rolling experiments were carried out on a CYRILLIC CAPITAL LETTER EF 170/400 x 300 mm four-high rolling mill at 240 degrees C to compare the finish rolling thickness and surface quality of rolled AZ31B magnesium alloy strip under four lubrication states, namely, no lubrication, rolling oil, microemulsion and emulsion. The surface morphology after warm rolling was observed with confocal laser scanning microscope and scanning electron microscope, respectively. The composition of surface residues was analyzed with energy dispersive spectrometry and X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Findings Surface morphology indicated that pitting wear, adhesive wear and ploughing wear were three main forms of wear in magnesium alloy warm rolling. Microemulsion had excellent lubrication properties with less residual oil remaining. Two types of adsorption layers formed on magnesium alloy strip surface were responsible for lubrication properties. MgSO4 and magnesium stearate in the reaction layer played a key role in anti-wear and friction-reduction in warm rolling. Originality/value The study is original and gives valuable information on lubrication mechanism of microemulsion in warm rolling of magnesium alloy strips.