Wear behaviours of Pb added Mg–Al–Si composites reinforced with in situ Mg2Si particles

In this study, the effect of adding Pb at different ratios on the wear resistance of Mg alloys reinforced with low density “in situ” Mg2Si particles has been investigated. Pb, at a rate of 0.2%, 0.5%, and 1%, was added to Mg–10% Al–12Si alloys reinforced with “in situ” particles, produced from the reinforcement nucleation within the matrix. The microstructure characterisation and wear properties of alloys, produced using a casting method was examined. Light Optical Microscopy (LOM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analyses and a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) were used to conduct the microstructure characterisation. A pin-on-disc type wear device, under different loads and different sliding distances, was used to conduct the dry environment wear experiments carried out for investigated alloys. Microstructure analysis concluded that Mg2Si particles formed, and that an Mg17Al12 intermetallic phase was present in the structure. The Pb added to the alloys decreased the wear resistance of the alloy.