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-re sisting zinc-based alloy, named ZMJ, which is aimed to replace bronze as an engineering material, has been studied. A desirable wear-resisti ng microstructure was achieved through a specially designed compositio n and casting procedure. The micro-constituents and microstructures we re 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 d ominant role in providing its superior wear-resisting properties. The composition of ZMJ consists of Zn, Al, Cu, Mg, Mn, Ti, B and rare eart h 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 m aterial by comparing its mechanical properties and friction and wear p roperties with those of ZCuSn10P1 and ZA-27. Industrial applications i n gears, worm-gears, bearing and bushes etc. have shown that ZMJ bring s significant benefits in energy saving and enhances the quality and l ife expectancy of these machinary parts.