Tribological and structural study of new aluminum-based antifriction materials

The tribological characteristics of experimental aluminum-based antifriction materials are studied. The structures of the surface layers are examined, as well as the chemical composition of the surface of the original alloys and those tested for run-in, wear resistance, and scoring. It has been found that these alloys consist of the three following phase constituents: a matrix, which is complex-alloyed aluminum; an Al2Cu-Θ phase, which plays a role of a hardener; and a soft Sn + Pb phase constituent, which acts as solid lubricant. The effect of the chemical composition of the surface on the tribological behavior of the materials under study has been shown.