Comparison of the machinability and wear properties of magnesium alloys

Abstract

AZ and AS series magnesium alloys were used in this study and had different contents (i.e., 0 to 9 wt.% Al). The effect of zinc (Zn) and silicon (Si) on wear resistance and machinability was analyzed in AZ and AS series magnesium alloys. Zn amount in AZ series (1 %) and Si amount in AS series (1 %) were kept at a fixed rate. The effect of the changes in Al amount on hardness, wear resistance, and machinability in AZ and AS series magnesium alloys was comparatively analyzed. A higher increase was observed in the wear resistance of alloys in AS series magnesium alloys due to the rise in Al amount compared with AZ series. Intermetallic phases found in the microstructure of alloys (β-Mg17Al12 and Mg2Si) were established to have an impact on the wear resistance and machinability of alloys.