An Investigation of the effects of copper additions on the friction and wear properties of zinc-aluminium alloys

An Investigation of the Effects of Copper Additions on the Friction and Wear Properties of Zinc- Aluminium Alloys In this study, two binary zinc-aluminium and ten ternary zinc-aluminium-copper alloys containing small amounts (1-5%) of copper were produced by permanent mould casting. The friction and wear properties of these alloys were examined using a block-on- disc test machine, and the results obtained were related to their microstructure and mechanical properties. It was found mat the hardness of the alloys increased continuously with increasing copper content up to maximum 5%, while their tensile strength increased with increasing copper content up to 2 % above which decreased as the copper content increased. The coefficient of friction and surface temperature of the alloys were found to be almost independent of the copper content It was also observed mat the volume loss due to wear of alloys decreased with increasing copper content up to 2%, above which it showed no considerable change. However the hardness, tensile strength and wear resistance of the alloys increased by the heat-treatment applied. The improvement obtained in the wear resistance of these alloys is explained in terms of their microstructure, hardness and tensile strength. As a result of this work it was concluded that the mechanical and tribological properties of the zinc-based alloys can be greatly improved by either addition of copper or heat- treatment. Key words: Zmc-Aluminium-Copper Alloys, Friction and Wear VI