a nickel - rich wear resistant alloy comprises in weight % 0 . 5 to 2 . 5 % c , 0 . 5 to 2 % si , up to 1 % mn , 20 to 30 % cr , s to 15 % mo , 5 to 15 % w , 15 to 30 % fe , balance ni . the alloy can include further alloying constituents such as up to 1 . 5 % each of ti , al , zr , hf , ta , v , nb , co , cu , up to 0 . 5 % b and up to 0 . 5 % mg plus y . the alloy preferably has a microstructure containing predominantly eutectic reaction phases , fine intermetallic phases and precipitation carbides . for instance , the microstructure may contain cr . ni , w rich intermetallic phases and / or the microstructure may contain uniform lamellar type eutectic solidification structures . the alloy is useful as a valve seat insert for internal combustion engines such as diesel engines . for a valve seat insert containing up to 1 . 8 % c the microstructure preferably is free of primary dendritic carbides . for a valve seat insert alloy containing over 1 . 8 % c the microstructure preferably contains non - dendritic type primary carbides . for a valve seat insert containing up to 1 . 5 % c the microstructure preferably includes solid solution phases encompassed by eutectic reaction products .