Friction and wear properties of lead-free aluminum alloy bearing material with molybdenum disulfide layer by a reciprocating test

Friction and wear behavior of Al–Sn–Si alloy with MoS2 layer under lubricated condition was investigated by a reciprocating friction tester. It became clear that the Al–Sn–Si alloy with MoS2 layer showed about 70% lower friction and about 1/10 lower wear depth compared to the Al–Sn–Si alloy. The worn surfaces of the Al–Sn–Si alloy with MoS2 layer were observed and analyzed by a SEM, a TEM and an EDX. It indicated that the sliding surface of the counterface had larger area of Mo than the area of Al which was transferred from the Al–Sn–Si alloy with MoS2 layer by sliding, resulting in low friction and high wear resistance.

► The friction coefficient of the Al–Sn–Si alloy with MoS2 layer was reduced.
► The maximum wear depth of the Al–Sn–Si alloy with MoS2 layer was reduced.
► The MoS2 layer prevented the transfer of Al matrix.