Tribological Compatibility of Some Selected Pb-Free Engine Bearing Materials with Different Engine Oil Formulations

Abstract

In this study, friction and wear properties of Al-Sn based bearing alloy with no overlay, bronze lining coated with Al-Sn based overlay and PAI based overlay, bronze lining coated with Sn based overlay and Pb-containing bearing material have been investigated using five different engine oil formulations including pure PAO 6 base oil and different viscosity grade oils containing anti-wear additive using an Optimol SRV® high-temperature reciprocating friction and wear test machine. It has been found that when Al-Sn based lining is lubricated with plain base oil, wear is lower compared to those with oils containing additives. For the other bearing materials, oils containing additives have shown improved friction and wear performance compared with that of the pure base oil.

Keywords

• boundary lubrication
• anti-wear additive
• engine bearings
• pb-free