EFFECT OF DEEP CRYOGENIC TREATMENT TIME ON MICROMECHANICAL AND TRIBOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF MAGNESIUM ALLOYS WE43 AND WE54

Abstract

The paper presents the effect of deep cryogenic treatment time on micromechanical and tribological properties of magnesium alloys, WE43 and WE54. The alloys were subjected to deep cryogenic treatment at a liquid nitrogen temperature (-196°C) for 2 to 48h. Tribological tests were performed in a rotational and a reciprocating linear motion, and wear trace studies were performed by profilometric and microscopic measurements. The tests indicate that deep cryogenic treatment has a favourable effect on the micromechanical, mechanical and tribological parameters of the two investigated alloys. It has also been shown that sub-zero treatment time significantly impacts the cryogenic treatment result. Among other things, there was a nearly 10% increase in hardness, Young's modulus, and a 35% reduction in tribological volumetric wear resulting from the improvement in mechanical properties, as well as a 2-fold reduction in linear wear with an increase in sub-zero treatment time relative to the material in its as-delivered state. Deep cryogenic treatment with appropriately selected sub-zero treatment time allows for improving the service life of magnesium alloys with rare earth metals.