Tribological properties of the AZ91D magnesium alloy hardened with silicon carbide and by severe plastic deformation

Results of investigation of the tribological contact characteristics of R18 tool steel in interface with AZ91D magnesium alloy hardened with SiC disperse powder filler and by severe plastic deformation (SPD)—specifically, equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP)—are presented. It is established that introduction of the SiC powder filler into the magnesium alloy increases the friction coefficient and reduces the wear rate. The size and volume of the powder filler particles, the normal load, and the relative sliding velocity influence these tribological characteristics. SPD of the original material leads to reduction of the molecular component of the friction coefficient.