Frictional stability of pumice-reinforced lightweight magnesium composite in ambient and elevated temperature environments

Lightweight materials with better resistance to sliding wear are prominent candidates for automobile brake drums, clutch pads and cylinder block applications to facilitate fuel economy. This attempt is reserved to cater to materials with higher tribological quality needs. Less dense foamy pumice stone particles were involved in three different percentages (5, 10, and 15 wt%) to reinforce lightweight AZ31 Mg alloy. A stir-assisted squeeze casting technique was pursued to process the composite and refine the grain structure. A phase detection, elemental mapping and microstructure study were done through X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. An experimental dry sliding wear scrutiny was administered using a pin-on-disc apparatus by considering: (i) ambient and elevated temperature environments and (ii) three different levels of loads. The results reveal a significant drop in wear loss and a frictional coefficient for 15% pumice-loaded composite than the base alloy. Post-wear examination acknowledges the fact that the ambient temperature wear is governed by adhesive-abrasive wear and high temperature is by abrasive wear mechanisms. Worn-out scrutiny authenticates the presence of oxide layers and their role in lubrication. A comparative study with previous works upholds the novel magnesium composite is the right candidate for the mentioned automobile applications.