Abstract
In the present study, the electrical sliding wear behavior of eight copper-based alloys was investigated by a pin-on-disc tribometer. Various copper-based alloys in the form of cylindrical rod were forced to slide against a counterface stainless steel disc in air under unlubricated condition at a sliding velocity of 31.2 km/h under normal load up to 20 N with and without electric current. The worn surface and wear debris of the specimens were studied by scanning-electron microscopy. Mechanical wear and electrical arc erosion were the dominant wear mechanisms for the alloys worn at 50 A. Considering both electrical conductivity and wear resistance, CuCrZr is a promising candidate as the contact wire material for electric railway systems.
