Study on the tribological behavior of bronze-matrix self-lubricating composites

Bronze matrix self-lubricating composites were prepared by sintering in the with furnace hydrogen. The mechanical and tribological properties of the composites were investigated on a pin-on-disk test rig. The self lubricating mechanism of the composites was analyzed with emphasis on the effect of the solid lubricants. The results show that the composites exhibit good mechanical and tribological properties at the temperature range of room temperature to 450°C. The XRD analysis of the worn surface of the counterpart AISI 1045 steel disk shows that the transfer film composed of graphite, Pb and SnO2 formed on the worn surface at room temperature can improve the tribological behavior of the composites. The improved tribological behavior of the composite at 450°C is attributed to the transfer film composed of graphite, PbO2O3 and CuO.