Mechanical properties and wear behavior of a dissolvable magnesium alloy used for multistage fracturing

Abstract

The mechanical properties and wear performance of a dissolvable magnesium alloy used for manufacturing the temporary downhole fracturing parts were reported in this study. The dissolvable magnesium alloy's wear performance was compared with that of a commercially available 7075 aluminum alloy in dry sliding condition. The wear tests were performed on a universal tribometer at various normal loads ranging from 20 N to 60 N with a sliding velocity of 10 mm/s to simulate the wear between the fracturing tool and the ceramic proppant (Al2O3 particles). Mechanical testing showed that the ultimate tensile strength and compressive strength of the dissolvable magnesium alloy was 275.5 MPa and 482.7 MPa. The wear testing indicated that the dissolvable magnesium alloy exhibited lower friction coefficients, whereas larger wear rates than that of the 7075 aluminum alloy. The worn surface analysis of the tested magnesium alloy revealed that abrasive wear was the dominant wear mechanism, and oxidative wear was observed with the normal load further increased. The obtained results would provide further insights into the dissolvable magnesium alloy and guide the design of temporary structures or parts in certain applications.