Response of some cast zinc-base alloys (37.5% Al) comprised of nickel/silicon under different tensile loading conditions

Observations were made during tensile testing of some zinc-base alloys (37.5% Al) comprised of nickel/silicon at different strain rates and temperatures. The zinc-base alloy without nickel/silicon was also tested under identical conditions to see the effects of the alloying elements on the tensile (strength and elongation) properties. The nickel/silicon-free alloy attained tensile properties superior to those samples alloyed with the elements. Moreover, reducing content of copper deteriorated the properties of the alloy system. An increase in silicon content produced similar effects. In general, higher strain rates led to better tensile properties, within limits. Further strength of the samples deteriorated with test temperature while elongation followed a reverse trend. However, the presence of nickel/silicon reduced the temperature sensitivity of the strength of the alloy system, The behavior of the alloys is discussed in terms of specific features of their microconstituents.