Reciprocating Dry Sliding Wear Behaviour of AZ91/Al2O3 Magnesium Nanocomposites

The present study investigates the reciprocating wear behaviour of as-cast AZ91/Al2O3 nanocomposites. The amount of Al2O3 nanoparticles (particle size: < 50 nm) varied at 1.5 and 2 wt.%, and its effect on the wear behaviour of nanocomposites was examined using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The influence of wear parameters such as load, sliding speed, and time was also investigated. The reciprocating wear of nanocomposites was investigated on various counter discs, including as-cast, homogenized, non-homogenized, and SiC paper. All tests were performed at room temperature with a constant sliding distance of 20 mm. According to the findings, introducing nanoparticles enhanced wear resistance, and the main effect plots revealed a linear relationship between wear rate and time. According to the ANOVA, disc type, time, and composition are the most influential parameters on wear rate. Wear mechanisms and features of debris of worn specimens were investigated using SEM equipped with EDS analysis. Worn-out specimens under homogenized and non-homogenized counter disc conditions were extensively oxidized and found to be adhesive. Deep grooves, ploughs, and oxidized detritus were detrimental to specimens worn beneath an abrasive counter disc.