Microstructural, Mechanical, and Tribological Properties of Mg-3Al-1Sn-1Nd-Mn Alloy

In this study, Mg-3Al-1Sn-1Nd-Mn alloy was produced by low-pressure die casting method and homogenization heat treated (HHT) at 400 °C for 16 hrs. Microstructural characterization of the alloy was done by XRF, XRD, LOM and SEM–EDS analyses. The microstructure of the alloy was composed of α-Mg, Al₂Nd and Al₁₁Nd₃ phases. Hot rolling was applied to the HHT alloy at two different speeds 13.78 rpm [low speed rolling (LSR)] and 26.96 rpm [high-speed rolling (HSR)] at 350 °C. Microstructural changes were also carried out by LOM and SEM analyses. Mechanical properties (hardness and tensile properties) and wear performances of HHT, LSR and HSR samples were compared. SEM fractography was conducted on tension test samples to visualize the deformation and fracture behaviors. Also, worn surfaces of samples were investigated by SEM–EDS analysis. Abrasive, oxidation and delamination mechanisms were observed for worn surfaces of samples. To sum up, the mechanical properties of the HSR sample were higher compared to the HHT and LSR samples, and the wear rate was lower than HHT and LSR samples.