Influence of Ce on Microstructure and Tribological Properties of HMn64-8-5-1.5 Brass

The rare earths are important modifier for copper alloy. The effect of Ce on microstructure, mechanical properties and wear resistance of HMn64-8-5-1.5 brass were investigated. Addition of 0.05% and 0.1% Ce had insignificant effect on phase component as well as mechanical properties. The refinement of β-phase grain and smaller and homogeneously distributed hard particles were found with addition amount of Ce from 0.15% to 0.25%. The wearresistance was also improved and the wear rate of alloy with 0.25% Ce was reduced by 19% using HMn64-8-5-1.5 brass as baseline. The wear mechanism of HMn64-8-5-1.5 brass was fatigue delamination and adhesive wear while alloy with addition of Ce was mild adhesive and oxidation wear.