Effects of Ag micro-addition on structure and mechanical properties of Sn-11Sb-6Cu Babbitt

The microstructure of Sn-11Sb-6Cu Babbitt consists of a soft solution matrix and hard particles (SnSb and Cu6Sn5). The soft solution matrix acts as solid lubrication and embedability provider, and the hard particles provide the sufficient load carrying capacity. In the present study, the effects of Ag micro-addition on the structure and mechanical properties of Sn-11Sb-6Cu Babbitt were investigated by optical microscopy, vickers microhardness tester, X-ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope and servo-hydraulic materials testing system. The results indicate that a new intermetallic compound Ag3Sn is formed after Ag is added to Sn-11Sb-6Cu, which increases the microhardness and improves the strength and ductility of Sn-11Sb-6Cu Babbitt. It is also found that the addition of 1.0 wt% Ag to Sn-11Sb-6Cu Babbitt has the potential to improve the load carrying capacity without sacrificing the embedability.