Load and sliding velocity effect in dry sliding wear behavior of CuZnAl shape memory alloys

The wear behavior of shape memory alloys is linked to the thermoelastic martensitic transformation. Due to this transformation, these alloys have the ability to absorb a high amount of energy before undergoing plastic deformation and subsequent fractures caused by wear. In this study, the effect of sliding velocity and load on the dry wear behavior of CuZnAl alloys has been characterized. Weight loss as a function of the M-s transformation temperature at different sliding velocities and loads was studied for the different alloys. The weight loss and friction coefficient of the alloys as a function of load showed linear and exponential relationships, respectively; however, when considered versus applied sliding velocity, independently of which phase was present, they showed an exponential relation and no direct relation, respectively.