Effect of Working Conditions on the Lubricated Wear Behavior of Zn-40Al-2Cu-2Si Alloy in the As-Cast and T6 Heat-Treated States

Abstract

In order to determine the effect of working conditions on the lubricated wear behavior of Zn-40Al-2Cu-2Si alloy in the as-cast and T6 heat-treated states, its tribological properties were studied at different oil flowrates, contact pressures, and sliding speeds in comparison with SAE 660 bronze. It was observed that the friction coefficient, temperature, and wear volume of both materials decrease, but their average surface roughness increase with increasing oil flowrate. As the pressure increased, the friction coefficient and average surface roughness of the experimental materials decreased, but their temperature and wear volume increased. It was also found that the working temperature of these materials increased, but their wear volume showed a decrement and a subsequent increment with increasing sliding speed. In addition, their wear volume and average surface roughness showed opposite changes with the sliding speed. Zn-40Al-2Cu-2Si alloy in both as-cast and heat-treated conditions showed lower wear volume and friction coefficient than SAE 660 bronze. This indicates that Zn-40Al-2Cu-2Si alloy can be used to manufacture diesel engine crankshaft journal bearings.