Abstract: Bearing materials and a process for the manufacture thereof are described. The bearing alloys are aluminium-based and comprise the following compositions expressed in weight percent; 8 to 35 tin, 1 to 3 copper, 2 to 10 silicon and remainder aluminium apart from incidental impurities. The alloys are preferably bonded to steel. The composite material is then raised in temperatrue preferably within the range 450.degree. to 500.degree. C. for a total time between 10 minutes and 90 seconds and then cooled at a cooling rate of at least 50.degree. C./min. for at least part of the temperature drop to ambient temperature. The composite material may optionally be additionally heat-treated thereafter to further improve the properties.

Abstract: An alloy for use as a bearing lining on a metal backing comprising, by weight, 1 to 11% silicon, 8 to 35% tin, and 0.2 to 3% copper, the balance being aluminum. The lining is first cast as a billet annealed, cold rolled, annealed and cold rolled a second time and then bonded to the metal backing. The lining optionally carries a soft overlay.

Abstract: A plain bearing comprising a metal backing, an aluminium based bearing alloy layer and a sacrificial overlay of pure tin applied directly to the bearing material without a nickle interlayer. The bearing alloy comprises by weight, 1 to 11% silicon, 8 to 35% tin, 0.2 to 2% copper with the balance being aluminium.