The Effect of Chemical Composition on Wear and Microstructural Properties of Babbitt Coatings

Babbitt is a white silvery alloy that composed of Tin, Lead, Copper and Antimony. This alloy is the most current bearing alloy in industrial applications. The characteristics of this alloy, such as high wearing resistance and low coefficient of friction, have converted it into a bearing cover. The target of this study is investigation on the effects of alloy elements on wearing and micro-structural properties of the Babbitt cover. To this end, 3 groups of Babbitt alloy with different percent of elements were provided. In order to survey wearing properties, the dry wearing test with Pin on disc was done. The wearing surfaces by Sweep Electron Microscope was observed and investigated. Also, the samples were compared to each other. The metallography studies and the results of experiments show that the size, the shape of particles and how to distribution of them are most important factors which effect on mechanical properties and also frictional properties of Babbitt alloy. Therefore, it may be said the control of microstructures in Babbitt alloy because of formation of the phases and creation of the sediments causes the desirable and expected properties in Babbitt alloy as a resistant alloy against wearing.