Friction behavior of laser cladding magnesium alloy against AISI 52100 steel

The use of magnesium alloys in engineering applications is becoming increasingly important as a relatively low density allows savings in energy consumption and therefore reduction in air pollution. An associated reduction in inertia makes these alloys potential candidates for friction components, but they suffer from poor wear resistance. Laser surface alloying with appropriate powder mixture is an innovative technique to improve surface properties of metallic alloys. In this study, the effect of laser surface alloying using Al12%Si powder on wear resistance of a magnesium alloy ZE41 is investigated. Hardness and wear resistance of the alloy are significantly enhanced after treatment.

► Magnesium alloy ZE41 is modified by surface laser alloying with Al–Si powder.
► Mg2Si phases are created beneath the surface that increases hardness in the sub-layer.
► Increasing hardness close to the surface induces improvement of wear resistance.
► Wear resistance of treated ZE41 is 2.5 times higher than ZE41 in friction with steel.