Friction characteristics of hybrid magnesium alloy composites reinforced with carbon nanotube and cerium

Abstract

PurposeThe paper aims to clarify the hybrid Mg alloy composites reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and Cerium (Ce) rare earth element tribological properties were investigated by using pin-on-disk test configuration under dry and lubricated sliding conditions.Design/methodology/approachThe paper opted for an experimental study with composite samples under lubricated conditions. Their tribological properties were investigated by using pin-on-disk test configuration under dry and lubricated sliding conditions. Wear tests were carried out at 20°C temperature. Wear behavior of Mg alloy composites was evaluated as maximum coefficient of friction and the variation of the maximum frictional forces of the samples.FindingsThe reinforcements such as Ce and MWCNT have a decreasing effect between 100 and 200 rpm speed tests for friction coefficient and friction force of Mg alloy. The microstructure has an important effect on the wear mechanism. There can be both adhesive and abrasive wear mechanism for the same composite at different sliding speeds. It is determined that there is no systematic relationship between reinforcement percent and sliding speed related to wear behavior of AZ 41 matrix composites reinforced with CNT and Ce. The results indicate that different wear mechanisms occur at different sliding speeds. The sliding speed has effect on both an increment and decrement for wear.Research limitations/implicationsBecause of the chosen research approach, the research results may lack generalizability. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test the different reinforced composite samples further.Practical implicationsThe paper includes implications for the development of a hybrid composite reinforced with rare earth elements and MWCNT.Originality/valueThis paper fulfils an identified need to study a hybrid composite reinforced with rare earth elements and MWCNT.