Tribological Investigation of 70:30 Brass in Dry and Wet Conditions

Wear is related to interactions between surfaces and specifically the removal and deformation of material on a surface as a result of mechanical action of the opposite surface. Wear of metals occurs by the plastic displacement of surface and near-surface material and by the detachment of particles that form wear debris. Brass is nowadays considered as one of the most important copper based alloys. In particular, up to date brass alloys have been extensively used in automotive hydraulic brake tubes, radiator tubes, carburetor, fasteners, journal bearings, construction and marine applications by virtue of their corrosion resistance in non-acidic environments, good mechanical properties, high thermal and electrical conductivity and low cost. In this experimental study, wear behavior of the brass (70% Copper-30% Zinc and some traces of impurities) pin is examined on Pin-on-Disc configuration, which is performed on wear and friction monitor machine. Influence of various parameters sliding speed (1-3m/s), contact distance (1000 m & 2000 m) and applied load (20 N, 30 N & 40 N) was examined. Output results indicated reduction in pin weight (gms) in dry and wet (lubricating) conditions. It was observed that the wear of all pins were significantly high at sliding distance of 2000 m and 3m/s speed compared to wear at sliding distance of 1000 m and 1m/s speed. Results showed that increased sliding distance and the sliding speed the wear were increased. Microscopic analysis of worn surfaces of various test samples indicated different wear patterns.