Effects of Partially Substituting Copper by Silicon on the Physical, Mechanical, and Wear Properties of a Zn-37.5% Al-Based Alloy

This study analyses some of the observations pertaining to the influence of partially substituting copper by silicon, and also the silicon content on the physical, mechanical, and wear properties of a Zn-37.5 Al-based alloy under different experimental conditions. Properties characterized include density, electrical conductivity, hardness, compressive and tensile strength, and dry-sliding wear response. These properties have been correlated with the nature of the various microconstituents present in the alloys. The effects of test temperature on the tensile properties and sliding speed and pressure on the wear response of the specimens have also been examined in this investigation. The study suggests that it is possible to attain different combinations of physical, mechanical, and wear properties in zinc-based alloys of the kind studied. Further, silicon enables one to reduce the extent of the deterioration of properties with temperature.