On the mechanical and wear properties of copper-lead bearing alloys

Abstract

Copper-lead alloys varying in lead content from 5 to 40 wt.% were prepared by stirring and chill casting. The room temperature ultimate tensile strength, 0.2% compressive and tensile proof stresses, and the hardness and percentage elongation, decrease progressively with increasing lead content. Wear tests carried out at room temperature using a pin-on-disc wear testing machine revealed that increasing lead content improves the wear resistance of these alloys. The frictional resistance, measured in terms of an increase in the temperature rise of the test specimen, decreases with increasing lead content of the alloy up to 35 wt.%, beyond which it increases with increasing lead content. © 1992.