Friction and Wear Characteristics of Al-Pb Alloy Modified by High-current Pulsed Electron Beam Processing

Al-Pb alloy was modified by high current pulsed electron beam. Surface morphology and microstructure as well as hardness were analyzed. The results show that the microstructure and mechanical property were greatly improved. A pin-on-disc type wear testing machine, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscope were used to investigate the tribological properties and wear mechanism of high-current pulsed electron beam irradiated Al-Pb alloy. The modified layer which consists of a molten zone and a heat-affect and quasistatic thermal stress-affected zone exhibited good wear resistance. The low wear rate and lowest coefficient of friction at high load for irradiated Al-Pb alloy were due to the formation of a lubricious tribolayer covering almost the entire worn surface. The wear mechanism varied from oxidative wear at low load to film spalling at high load, and finally, adhesive wear.