Friction and wear properties of Babbitt alloy 16-16-2 under sea water environment

The tribological behaviors of Babbitt alloy 16-16-2 sliding against aluminum bronze ZCuAl9Mn2 lubricated by sea water were systematically investigated in this paper. The results indicated that the friction coefficient decreased as the load increased to 30 N and then remained at a steady level at high loads, but decreased with increase in sliding speed. The wear rate increased with load, but decreased with sliding speed. The formation of basic lead carbonate Pb3(OH)2(CO3)2 during the sliding process played a critical role in the remaining low friction coefficient in sea water.

► Basic lead carbonate was formed in the sliding process in sea water.
► Low friction coefficient and wear were mainly attributed to basic lead carbonate.
► Sea water shows lubricating, cooling, and corrosive effects on Babbitt alloy.