The effect of phosphating on the friction and wear properties of grey cast iron

The friction and wear resistance of two commercial manganese phosphate coatings have been evaluated. Grey cast iron wear pins were treated by the two processes and were tested by sliding against a steel disc, under both lubricated and dry sliding wear conditions.Phosphating increases the sliding distance to scuffing as well as the scuffing load, whilst marginally reducing the coefficient of friction. No advantage was found in phosphating dry sliding surfaces.Phosphating reduces the likelihood of adhesive wear in marginal or poorly lubricated sliding couples. The choice of phosphate coating is primarily dependent on the surface finish of the sliding counterface; thin coatings are suitable if the counterface is smooth but thicker coatings are superior against rougher surfaces.