Tribological behavior of Cu-6Sn-6Zn-3Pb under sea water, distilled water and dry-sliding conditions

► The testing environment influences tribological behaviors of bronze 663. ► The friction coefficient of bronze 663 is the largest in distilled water. ► Bronze 663 shows the different wear mechanism under different conditions. ► The sea water shows self-lubricating effect, cooling effect and corrosive effect. ► The sea water can reduce the friction coefficient and lead to a higher wear rate.