Influence of Silicon Addition on Mechanical Properties and Wear Behaviour of AZ91D Magnesium Alloy Using Stir Casting Method

In this study, effect of silicon (X=0 wt% and 0.1 wt %) addition on AZ91D magnesium alloy were investigated. The magnesium alloy reinforced with silicon (Si) was developed through bottom pouring stir casting process. The mechanical properties and dry sliding wear performance of the AZ91D Mg alloy specimens were evaluated under loads of 5 N, 10 N, and 20 N at sliding speed of 500 m, 1000 m, and 2000 m respectively at a constant sliding speed of 1 m/s. The effect of applied load on wear properties and the effect of sliding distance on wear properties were investigated. The improved wear properties were observed on AZ91D Mg alloy with Si addition as compared with without Si content AZ91D Mg alloy. Also, the mechanical properties slightly increased by addition of Si content into AZ91D Mg alloy. The microstructural studies and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis were carried out on the fabricated specimens to study the addition of Si in AZ91D Mg alloy. The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was used to analyse worn-out surface of the specimens.