Study of some physical properties of the rapidly solidified Sn–Sb–Cu–Zn alloys

Structure, electrical resistivity, hardness, elastic modulus and roughness of Sn–10%Sb–2%Cu–x%Zn [x = 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 wt.%] rapidly solidified alloys have been investigated. Investigations have been made by using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope (SEM), double bridge, Vickers hardness tester, the dynamic resonance technique and surface roughness tester. X-ray diffraction showed that, adding different amounts of zinc to the Sn–10%Sb–2%Cu changed its structural properties which affect all measured physical properties. Elastic modulus, hardness and electrical resistivity are increased by increasing the zinc content. Internal friction and roughness are varied. According to our results, the Sn–10%Sb–2%Cu–2.5%Zn alloy has good properties for bearing applications.

► This paper studied the effect of zinc on the physical properties of Sn–Sb–Cu alloys.
► Measurements showed a formation of intermetallic compounds and Zn phase.
► The intermetallic compounds and Zn phase have smaller crystal sizes than the matrix.
► Zn addition up to 2.5 wt.% enhances the properties of the bearing alloys.
► The Sn–10%Sb–2%Cu–2.5%Zn alloy has good properties for bearing applications.