Evaluating mechanical behavior and wear properties of magnesium‐cerium binary alloy produced by stir casting route

Abstract In the present work, magnesium cerium binary alloy with varying cerium content (0.5 %, 1 %, 1.5 % and 2 %) has been produced by stir casting and microstructure, mechanical properties and wear characteristics have been investigated. From the microstructural observations, development of intermetallic at the grain boundaries was observed with higher cerium content. X‐ray diffraction analysis of the produced samples indicated peaks corresponding to solid solution grains of magnesium and cerium and Mg 12 C intermetallic. Hardness measurements showed improved values for the alloy with 1.5 % and 2 % cerium. Tensile test results demonstrated higher strength at the cost of losing ductility with the increased cerium content. Enhanced mechanical performance in the alloys with higher cerium can be attributed to the presence of intermetallics at the grain boundaries. Increased wear resistance as reflected from the lower frictional force and wear has been observed for the alloy with 2 % cerium.