EVALUATION OF TRIBOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF MAGNESIUM ALLOYSINTENDED FOR ENGINE PISTONS

This paper presents the influence of the main operational properties on selected tribological properties, i.e.coefficient of friction, weight loss, roughness parameters of a WE43 magnesium alloy with rare earth elementsfor internal combustion engine pistons (Mg-Y-RE-Zr). The tests were carried out on a T-11M tribotesteraccording to a poliselective experiment’s plan. Metallographic examination of the friction surface allowedthe evaluation of the wear mechanism. Comprehensive research will allow the prediction of the correctservice time of a piston made of magnesium alloy in contact with a cylinder liner made of silumin at highertemperatures.