Tribological properties of bronze-Cr-Ag alloy in seawater, NaCl solution and deionized water

Tribological properties of bronze-Cr-Ag alloy sliding against AISI 52,100 steel were investigated in deionized water, 3.5 wt% NaCl solution and seawater. The friction coefficient and wear rate of the alloy follow the sequence: deionized water>NaCl solution>seawater. In NaCl solution and seawater, Cu2O, Al(OH)3, FeOOH and Fe2O3 form on the surface because of chloride corrosion. In seawater, CaCO3 and Mg(OH)2 are adsorbed on the surface. The above compounds play an important role in reducing the friction and wear. The study of tribocorrosion mechanism is beneficial for bronze-Cr-Ag alloy to be used in sliding bearing under seawater condition.