Abstract:A ZA-27 alloy reinforced with Mn-containing intermetallic compounds was prepared and its tribological behaviors were investigated. By adding Mn, RE, Ti and B into ZA-27 alloy, the test alloy (ZMJ) was fabricated by sand casting. Microstructural analysis shows that considerable amount of Mn-con taining intermetallic compounds such as Al₅MnZn, Al₉(MnZn)₂ and Al₆₅Mn(RE)₆Ti₄Zn₃₆ are formed. Compared to ZA-27, ZMJ shows better wear resistance, lower friction coefficient and lower temperature rise of worn surface under lubricated sliding condition. ZMJ also shows the lowest steady friction coefficient under dry friction condition. The wear resistance improvement of ZMJ is mainly attributed to the high hardness and good dispersion of these Mn-containing intermetallic compounds. It is indicated that the intermetallic compounds play a dominant role in reducing the sever adhesive and abrasive wear of the ZA-27 alloy.

Key words: ZA-27 alloy; intermetallic compounds; sliding wear; friction