Investigation of Tribological Characteristics of Cu-Fe-Ni-Al-Mn Heat Exchanger Alloys for Automotive Applications in Different Antifreeze Ratios

This study investigates the effects of antifreeze and water mixtures on the wear resistance of copper alloys, a topic that has not been sufficiently explored in the literature, particularly regarding the environmental impact. While previous research has emphasized the importance of material properties and surface modifications in improving wear resistance, the role of environmental factors, such as the mixture of antifreeze and water, has been less discussed. In this study, experiments were conducted using a 4D-DTM25 wear tester with antifreeze ratios of 25%, 50%, and 100%, under a constant load of 10N and a sliding distance of 100 meters. The results show that increasing the antifreeze concentration significantly improves the wear resistance of copper alloys. Notably, the use of 100% antifreeze resulted in a remarkable change in the morphology of the wear marks, shifting from abrasive to adhesive characteristics. This transition highlights the potential of anti-freeze mixtures to improve sliding conditions and reduce wear. Additionally, surface roughness measurements and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images further supported the experimental results, providing a detailed understanding of wear patterns and surface characteristics. These findings offer valuable insights into the behavior of copper alloys under varying environmental conditions, contributing to the optimization of copper alloys, particularly in automotive and industrial applications where wear resistance is critical. This research suggests that antifreeze-water mixtures could serve as an effective solution for enhancing wear resistance and performance in real-world conditions.