Effect of nickel aluminides on tribological behaviour of Zn-Al alloy

Zinc-aluminium alloys are known to possess excellent bearing properties, particularly at high load and low speeds. The present work investigates the effect of nickel additions on the dry sliding wear and friction characteristics of a Zn-Al alloy at low load and high speed. Along with grain refinement, the presence of nickel improves the adhesive wear resistance as well as the friction characteristics of the Zn-Al alloy. The tribological behaviour of the alloy is explained on the basis of the nature of its microconstituents.