Effect of particulate reinforcement on wear behavior of magnesium matrix composites

The friction and wear behavior of magnesium matrix composites reinforced with particulate Mg2Si was characterized. The influence of Si, applied load and sliding rate on the wear behavior of Mg2Si/AM60 magnesium matrix composites was studied. The results indicate that the particulate Mg2Si can be synthesized by adding Si into magnesium alloy. The wear properties of AM60 magnesium alloy are significantly improved with Mg2Si particles. The wear mass losses of AM60 magnesium alloy and Mg2Si/AM60 magnesium matrix composites decrease with increase in applied load and sliding rate. The wear feature of the AM60 magnesium alloy is adhesion wear. The wear mechanism of Mg2Si/AM60 magnesium matrix composites transforms from abrasive wear to adhesion wear with the increase of load.