Wear of conventional and experimental aluminium bearing alloys sliding under lubrication

Abstract

Two compositions of aluminium alloys Al-1.2 wt.% Cu-0.9 wt.% Ni-0.7 wt.% Si and Al-1.1 wt.% Cu were chosen to produce conventional bearing alloys with about 6 & 20 wt.% of tin respectively and other two alloys with same basic compositions were produced using lead as dispersoid in same amount instead of tin. The alloys were prepared by impeller mixing and bottom discharge chill casting technique. Their density, microstructure, mechanical properties were evaluated at room temperature. Sliding wear characteristics of these alloys under lubrication were studied in detail. Debris and worn surface analysis was also done. Tin and lead decreased tensile and compression strength of aluminium matrix alloys, percentage elongation was increased in both the cases. Strength properties of aluminium-tin alloys are slightly more than the equivalent experimental aluminium-lead alloys. Wear rate of leaded alloys is lower than the aluminium-tin alloys. Leaded aluminium bearing alloys exhibit superior wear resistance with slightly lower mechanical properties, to that of aluminium-tin alloys.