EFFECT OF DEEP CRYOGENIC TREATMENT TIME
ON MICROMECHANICAL AND TRIBOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
OF MAGNESIUM ALLOYS WE43 AND WE54

The paper presents the effect of deep cryogenic treatment time on micromechanical and tribological
properties of magnesium alloys, WE43 and WE54. The alloys were subjected to deep cryogenic treatment
at a liquid nitrogen temperature (-196°C) for 2 to 48h. Tribological tests were performed in a rotational
and a reciprocating linear motion, and wear trace studies were performed by profilometric and microscopic
measurements. The tests indicate that deep cryogenic treatment has a favourable effect on the micromechanical,
mechanical and tribological parameters of the two investigated alloys. It has also been shown that sub-zero
treatment time significantly impacts the cryogenic treatment result. Among other things, there was a nearly
10% increase in hardness, Young's modulus, and a 35% reduction in tribological volumetric wear resulting
from the improvement in mechanical properties, as well as a 2-fold reduction in linear wear with an increase
in sub-zero treatment time relative to the material in its as-delivered state. Deep cryogenic treatment with
appropriately selected sub-zero treatment time allows for improving the service life of magnesium alloys with
rare earth metals.

