Study of wear mechanisms of a novel magnesium based hybrid nanocomposite

Hybrid nanoreinforcement (yttria and copper) simultaneously increased strength and ductility of pure magnesium when synthesized using blend-press-microwave sinter powder metallurgy technique. Wear behavior of the magnesium hybrid nanocomposite containing 0.7 vol. % Y2O3 and 0.3 vol. % Cu reinforcement investigated using pin-on-disk dry sliding tests against hardened tool steel with a constant sliding speed of 1 m/s under a range of loads from 5 to 30N for sliding distance up to 1000 m. Scanning electron microscopy identified abrasion and delamination as primary wear mechanisms in the hybrid nanocomposite. Limited thermal softening was observed at relatively higher test load. Adhesive wear, a common mechanism for magnesium composite, was absent in this hybrid nanocomposite wear process under the sliding condition used in this study.