Tribological behavior of Mn-23Cu-6Ni alloy during rubbing against softer ASTM A36 steel under dry and lubricated conditions

To better understand the properties of Mn-23Cu-6Ni alloy, its tribological behavior and wear mechanism were investigated under various conditions, including dry sliding, polyalphaolefin (PAO) lubrication , and PAO lubrication with molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) additive. The experimental results showed high friction and severe wear when exposed to dry sliding while the running-in process denoted contact under PAO lubrication. MoS 2 nanosheets improved the friction reduction and anti-wear performance of PAO and suppressed the running-in process, rendering the sliding system stable from the beginning. The wear mechanism of the Mn-23Cu-6Ni alloy changed from adhesive wear in dry conditions to abrasive wear when exposed to PAO lubrication with MoS 2 nanosheets .