Relationship between cooling rate, microstructure features and wear behavior in end-chill cast Zn-27%Al alloys containing more than 2% Cu

► The wear behaviors of as-cast microstructures of Zn-Al-Cu alloys are investigated. ► In different cooling rates, Cu-rich ɛ precipitates may form in different shapes. ► Under the low speed dry sliding, the delamination wear was primary wear mechanism. ► Shape and density of ɛ were the most important factors on wear behavior of Zn-Al-Cu.