The Effect of Y on the Microstructure, Mechanical and Wear Properties of ZCuSn10Pb10 Alloy

We studied the effects of adding Y on the microstructure, mechanical properties and wear properties of ZCuSn10Pb10, and clarified the underlying mechanism by microstructure characterization through SEM, EDS and XRD. No new phase was detected after the addition of Y up to 0.2 wt.%, but an enrichment of Y in the Pb phase was found. The Pb particles were refined significantly after the addition of Y, which resulted from the compositional undercooling for the Cu dendrite where the Pb particles solidified, and the highest refinement efficiency was reached when the content of Y was 0.15 wt.%. The hardness of the alloy was improved due to the refinement of the microstructure. The fine Pb particles between the dendrite branches acted as solid lubricant, which was smeared on the entire surface during a friction and wear experiment, thus increasing wear resistance and reducing the coefficient of friction.