A comprehensive study on dry sliding wear and in-vitro degradation of AZ31 composite with 6 wt. % Sn and 1.5 wt. % TiO2 fabricated by stir casting

Abstract This experimental study investigates the dry sliding wear behaviour of novel AZ31 composite with 6 wt% Sn and 1.5 wt% TiO 2 samples, focusing on the influence of sliding distance and normal load. Additionally, the research examines degradation rates during a 120-hour immersion period in simulated body fluid (SBF). The wear volume loss increased significantly with higher loads and longer sliding distances, showing a 142% rise from 1000 m to 2000 m and 76% from 2000 m to 3000 m under a 5 N load, peaking at a 25 N load over 5000 m. The specific wear rate dropped by 39% from 5 N to 15 N but increased with distance due to thermal softening, while the coefficient of friction decreased from 0.284 at 1000 m to 0.213 at 5000 m under 5 N. FESEM analysis revealed a transition from abrasive to delamination wear, with a protective oxide layer forming during sliding. Sn in the composite formed hard Mg 2 Sn intermetallic compounds, affecting crack formation and propagation under higher loads. Wear debris analysis showed both abrasive and delamination wear mechanisms, highlighting the protective role of the oxide layer. The degradation rate increased rapidly during the initial immersion stage in simulated body fluid (SBF), reaching 15.9 mm year −1 after 24 h, and then stabilizing after 48 h. Hydrogen evolution rose sharply from 0.28 ml cm −12 at 2 h to 7.6 ml cm −12 within 24 h, with a 92% increase by 48 h and an additional 38% increase from 48 to 72 h. Post-immersion FESEM analysis showed corroded surfaces with protective layers, cracks, and pitting corrosion. Magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH) 2 ) and hydroxyapatite played crucial roles in inhibiting corrosion. This analysis provides insights into the wear, and degradation dynamics of the AZ31-6Sn/1.5TiO 2 composite, with implications for engineering applications and the development of biodegradable implants in biomedical fields.