The Effects of Boron Minerals on the Microstructure and Abrasion Resistance of Babbitt Metal (Sn–Sb–Cu) Used as Coating Materials in Hydroelectric Power Plants

In this study, the microstructure of a new alloy is examined which is created by adding boron oxide (B2O3), boric acid (H3BO3) and kolamanit (Ca2B6O11·5H2O) in certain proportions to the white metals (Sn–Sb–Cu) used in the carrier bearing dies of vertical Francis turbines in hydroelectric power plants. The Babbitt materials were coated with electric arc spray coating method before. Also it is examined that whether the coating material produced as a new alloy is appropriate for applying to die surface. Utility of the new white metal material in carrier bearing dies in hydroelectric power plants has been investigated based on the metallographic structure and wear of the new alloy. While some of the boron elements added to the Babbitt metal have positive results in terms of metallographic and abrasion values, some of the boron elements have negative effects.