Characterization of the wear response of a modified zinc-based alloy vis-à-vis a conventional zinc-based alloy and a bearing bronze at a high sliding speed

Abstract

In this investigation, an attempt has been made to examine the wear response of a modified zinc-based alloy at a high speed (4.60 m/s) of sliding over a range of applied pressures. A conventional zinc-based alloy and a bearing bronze have also been subjected to identical tests with a view to assess the working capability of the modified alloy with respect to the existing ones. The wear characteristics of the alloys have been correlated with their microstructural features, while operating wear mechanisms have been studied through analyses of wear surfaces, subsurfaces, and debris particles. The conventional zinc-based alloy attained most inferior wear behavior when compared with that of the modified (zinc-based) alloy and the bronze. Interestingly, the modified alloy exhibited its wear response to be much better than that of the conventional zinc-based alloy due to the presence of nickel/silicon containing (hard and thermally stable) microconstituents. Moreover, the modified alloy also seized at a pressure similar to that of the bronze, although its wear rate prior to seizure was more than that of the latter. The study clearly indicates that it is possible to develop modified versions of zinc-based alloys having much improved wear characteristics over the conventional variety; the information gains special attention in view of the high speed of sliding selected in this study.