ANS:D - wear resistance.

Babbitt lining is used on brass/bronze bearings to increase wear resistance. Explanation: Babbitt lining, also known as Babbitt metal, is a soft alloy comprising tin, antimony, and copper, often with traces of other metals such as lead or zinc. It is commonly used as a bearing material due to its excellent properties for reducing friction and wear in rotating machinery. When applied as a lining on brass/bronze bearings, Babbitt metal acts as a sacrificial layer between the rotating shaft and the bearing surface. This layer absorbs the frictional forces and minimizes direct metal-to-metal contact between the shaft and the bearing, thereby reducing wear on both components. The primary function of Babbitt lining in brass/bronze bearings is to increase wear resistance. By providing a softer surface that can deform and conform to the shape of the rotating shaft, Babbitt lining helps to distribute loads more evenly and reduce localized wear. This results in longer bearing life and improved performance of the machinery. While Babbitt lining does contribute to some extent to antifriction properties and may enhance bearing resistance, its primary purpose and most significant impact are in increasing wear resistance, thereby extending the operational lifespan of brass/bronze bearings.