Some Tribological Investigations on Zinc Base Alloy

ZA-27 alloys reinforced by Mn-containing intermetallic compounds were prepared and effect of Mn content on impact strength, hardness, tensile strength, volumetric wear rate and surface roughness were examined. By adding Mn, Si, Cu, Mg into ZA-27, experimental alloys were fabricated by gravity die casting. The volume fraction and grain size of the Mn-containing inter metallic compound phases vary with the changing of Mn content. As the percentage of Mn increases the volume fraction and size of the precipitates increased. Volumetric wear rate of the reinforced ZA-27 alloys at room temperature were measured. The results show that the impact strength and hardness values are increased with increase in Mn up to 1 %. Ultimate tensile strength and Volumetric wear rate decreased with increase in Mn up to 1 %. But surface roughness is decreases almost with increase in the Mn content. Bettertribological properties of these alloys can be achieved at a Mn content of 1 %.