Development of antifriction aluminum-base alloys and compositions for sliding current collectors

We have studied the effect of alloying of aluminum with copper (2–4%), silicon (2–4.5%), tin (10–15%), and lead (10–15%) on its wear resistance under conditions of friction in a couple with a copper contact wire. We have established that alloying enhances the wear resistance of metals and decreases the wear of contact wires. The use of an electrographitic bush decreases the wear of a metal insert. Field investigations of metal trolleybus current-collecting inserts with electrographitic bushes show that their durability is 5–8 times greater in dry weather and 2–3 times greater in rainy weather than that of conventional articles. In addition, the wear of the contact wire is minimally admissible. __________ Translated from Fizyko-Khimichna Mekhanika Materialiv, Vol. 42, No. 6, pp. 111–115, November–December, 2006.