Improvement in tribological performances of magnesium alloy using amide compounds as lubricating additives during sliding

The tribological characteristics of a magnesium alloy, AZ91D (die-casting), are investigated in a sliding lubricating system using various amide compounds as lubricating additives on a Timken type tester against a bearing steel (AISI52100) ring. Results indicate that a significant improvement in the tribological performance exists using the amide compounds as additives. The number of amido group (–CONH2) in additive molecules and the molecular structure of amide compounds have significant effect on the tribological characteristics of magnesium alloy. Electromicroscopy reveals that the mild abrasive wear is a predominant wear mechanism of magnesium alloy using an amide additive while the dominated wear mechanism is a severe abrasive wear with severe material deformation using only base oil. Observation shows the formation of boundary film on the magnesium alloy. XPS analysis suggests the occurrence of tribo-chemical reactions between Mg and amide compounds with the formation of chemically stable compound (or complex) of magnesium and amide, as well as the formation of friction polymer.