The microstructure and wear mechanism of a novel high-strength, wear-resistant zinc alloy (ZMJ)

The remarkable tribological behavior of a novel high-strength, wear-resisting zinc-based alloy, named ZMJ, which is aimed to replace bronze as an engineering material, has been studied. A desirable wear-resisting microstructure was achieved through a specially designed composition and casting procedure. The micro-constituents and microstructures were studied, their relationships with the mechanical, anti-friction and wear-resisting properties having been analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. It was found that the microstructure of ZMJ plays a dominant role in providing its superior wear-resisting properties. The composition of ZMJ consists of Zn, Al, Cu, Mg, Mn, Ti, B and rare earth elements. The functions of each of these alloying elements have been explained in detail. This novel alloy's strengthening mechanisms and wear mechanisms have been studied and compared with those of phosphor-tin-bronze ZCuSn10P1 (GB1176-87) and the popular ZA-27 (ASTM B669-82) zinc-based alloy. ZMJ has been proven to be an excellent engineering material by comparing its mechanical properties and friction and wear properties with those of ZCuSn10P1 and ZA-27. Industrial applications in gears, worm-gears, bearing and bushes etc. have shown that ZMJ brings significant benefits in energy saving and enhances the quality and life expectancy of these machinary parts.