Enhancing wear resistance of Mg–Zn–Gd alloy by cryogenic treatment

The wear behavior of Mg–1.5Zn–0.15Gd alloy before and after cryogenic treatment (CT) has been investigated by dry sliding wear test and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The experimental result shows that the wear resistance of the alloys has been significantly improved after CT. The observation worn surface indicates that abrasive wear is the main wear mechanism of Mg–1.5Zn–0.15Gd alloy. The friction coefficient and wear rate decrease with the increase of CT duration, which is attributed to the increase of volume fraction of the secondary phase particles and its refinement due to the CT. Moreover, the alloy after cryogenic treatment exhibits a much smoother worn surface. The wear mechanism of the alloy before and after CT has been discussed.

► Wear resistance of Mg–Zn–Gd alloy was improved through cryogenic treatment (CT).
► The microstructure evolution of Mg–Zn–Gd alloy was investigated after CT.
► The wear mechanism of Mg–Zn–Gd alloy before and after CT has been discussed.