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.