Babbitt metal

Description

A tin alloy invented in 1839 by Isaac Babbitt for use in steam engines. Babbitt metal provides a low-friction surface for bearings made of cast iron or steel. Several compositions are currently called babbitt metals, such as:

- tin (89%) with small quantities of antimony (7%) and copper (4%)

- tin (9 %) with copper (10%)

- lead (85%) with antimony (15%), arsenic, and tin (5%)

- a mixed tin-lead alloy with antimony and copper.

Synonyms and Related Terms

babbit metal; white metal

Resources and Citations

• Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: babbitt metal" [Accessed December 11, 2001

• Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babbitt_metal (Accessed Mar. 20, 2006)