The Role of Ductility and Work Hardening in Sliding Wear of an Al–Zn–Mg–Cu Alloy.

In this work, an Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy was subjected to heat treating. The microstructure, strength, hardness, ductility and friction and wear behaviour were investigated. The air-quenching samples show lower tensile strength but higher ductility. Higher wear resistance is due to good ductility and sufficient work hardening, though lower hardness and higher friction coefficient. The water-quenching samples have higher tensile strength but lower ductility. Insufficient work hardening degree results in a lower sliding wear resistance, though higher hardness and lower friction coefficient. The wear mechanisms of Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy against hardened steel ball in reciprocating sliding are mainly controlled by abrasive wear, oxidation wear and delamination wear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]