The tribological behaviours of aluminium‐based materials under dry sliding

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop new Al‐based bearing alloys which have better properties than classic commercial bearing materials and to analyze tribologic properties of these alloys under dry sliding conditions experimentally.

Design/methodology/approach

Four different aluminium alloys were produced with casting method and tested on pin‐on‐disc wear testing machine. Friction coefficients and weight losses of the samples were determined under various working conditions in consequence of the experiments. Hardness, surface roughness, and surface temperatures of the samples were measured.

Findings

The results of the experiment show that friction coefficients vary by surface pressure and sliding speed. Al15Pb3.7Cu1.5Si1.1Fe and Al15Sn5Cu3Si alloys have lower friction coefficient values than other alloys. Al8.5Si3.5Cu alloy has the biggest wear resistance. Al15Pb3.7Cu1.5Si1.1Fe and Al15Sn5Cu3Si alloys are the most worn materials. Al8.5Si3.5Cu alloy has the lowest wear rate.

Research limitations/implications

When the comparison was done between commercial Al alloys and developed Al alloys in this study, it was seen that Al15Sn5Cu3Si and Al15Pb3.7Cu1.5Si1.1Fe alloys have lower friction coefficient values than other commercial alloys.

Practical implications

The effects of the elements except aluminium composing alloys upon tribologic properties were analyzed. Some of the alloy elements were seen to improve tribologic properties whereas some downgrade. When the results are evaluated, Al15Sn5Cu3Si and Al8.5Si3.5Cu alloys containing Si and Sn can be preferred among the aluminium alloys that will work under dry sliding.

Originality/value

This paper reveals new bearing materials. These alloys can be used in journal bearings.

Citation

Feyzullahoğlu, E. and Şakiroğlu, N. (2011), "The tribological behaviours of aluminium‐based materials under dry sliding", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 63 No. 5, pp. 350-358. https://doi.org/10.1108/00368791111154968