Boundary Lubrication of Bronzes—Metallurgical Aspects

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Abstract
For seven bronzes of different composition and structure the ability to form boundary lubricant films is described in terms of a transition temperature at which the mild (abrasive) wear process changes into a severe (adhesive) one. Addition of lead or phosphorus to Cu 6Sn lowers this transition temperature considerably. Probably the formation in the bronze of finely dispersed tin-oxide particles is beneficial, surplus phosphorus inhibiting the formation of such particles. Oxidation in situ does not improve the adsorption properties of the surface. Effective boundary films are formed on a thin transferred bronze film on the shaft, rather than on the bearing surface itself.