The effects of homogenization treatment on wear resistance of AZ61 magnesium alloy fabricated by extrusion-shear process

Wear resistance of extrusion shear-processed AZ61 magnesium samples with as-cast state and homogenization treatment state has been studied by wear tests using pin-on-disc experiments under dry sliding conditions. Wear rates and friction coefficients between AZ61 magnesium alloy and GCr15 steel have been used to evaluate wear resistances of AZ61 magnesium alloys, and obtained from dry sliding with different frequencies and loads. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS) were used to analyze microstructures before and after the wear tests to find the wear mechanisms of AZ61 magnesium samples with as-cast state and homogenization treatment state. The wear resistances of the homogeneous state samples prepared by extrusion-shear process are close to those of as cast state, which are due to the little differences of microstructures. In addition, the wear mechanisms change from mild wear to severe wear with rise of exerted loads and reciprocating frequencies.