Effects of contact pressure and sliding distance on the lubricated friction and wear properties of Zn-25Al-3Cu alloy: A comparative study with SAE 65 bronze

Lubricated friction and wear properties of Zn-25Al-3Cu alloy were investigated in comparison with SAE 65 bronze over a range of contact pressure (1-8 MPa) and sliding distance (0-80 km) using a block-on-disc type test machine. The friction coefficients of the alloy and the bronze decreased, but their working temperature and wear volume increased with contact pressure. Their friction coefficient and the working temperature showed opposite changes with sliding distance before they reached steady-state levels. However, the wear volume of both the alloy and the bronze increased continuously with sliding distance. Although the hardness and compressive strength of the alloy were lower than those of the bronze, it exhibited higher wear resistance. This was related to their wear behaviour since smearing played a great role in the wear of the alloy while abrasion dominated the wear of the bronze.