Comparative experimental analysis of wear behavior of CuCrZr and CuZn39Pb3 alloys using pin-on-disc test from room temperature to high temperatures

This study investigates the wear behavior of the CuCrZr and CuZn39Pb3 alloys under varying thermal conditions while maintaining constant mechanical parameters using a pin-on-disc tribometer. The experiments were conducted at 25 °C, 100 °C, 200 °C, and 300 °C under a load of 7N, with wear rates, the coefficient of friction (COF), and hardness values evaluated for both alloys. CuCrZr demonstrated superior wear resistance, stable hardness, and con- sistent frictional behavior across all temperatures, attributed to its precipitation-hardening mechanism and thermal stability. In contrast, CuZn39Pb3 showed significant softening, higher wear rates, and erratic COF behavior at elevated temperatures due to the loss of lead’s lubricating properties and matrix degradation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed less severe surface damage for CuCrZr compared to CuZn39Pb3, which exhibited pronounced delamination and debris formation. These findings highlight CuCrZr’s suitability for applications involving elevated tem- peratures and significant tribological loads, as supported by calculated contact stresses. While CuCrZr demonstrates superior thermal stability and wear resistance, CuZn39Pb3 exhibits enhanced machinability due to the presence of lead, making it preferable for applications requiring ease of manufacturing.