Tribological properties of copper-embedded self-lubricating bearing materials

Purpose: 

This study aims to investigate the effects of graphite-MoS2 composite solid lubricant on the tribological properties of copper-based bearing materials under dry conditions. 

Design/methodology/approach: 

The mixture of Graphite-MoS2 was inlaid in ZQSn6-6–3 tin bronze and ZQAl9-4 aluminum bronze matrix. These copper-embedded self-lubricating bearing materials were considered in friction pairs with 2Cr13 stainless steel, and their tribological properties were studied by using an MM200 wear test machine. 

Findings: 

The results show that the friction coefficients and wear rates of copper-embedded self-lubricating bearing materials are lower than those of the ordinary copper-based bearing materials. The wear performance of the tin bronze inlaid self-lubricating bearing material is better than that of the aluminum bronze inlaid self-lubricating bearing material. The wear mechanism of the tin bronze bearing material is mainly adhesive wear, and that of the aluminum bronze bearing material is mainly grinding wear, oxidation wear and adhesive wear. The copper-embedded self-lubricating bearing materials had no obvious abrasion, whereas the aluminum bronze inlaid self-lubricating bearing material exhibited deep furrows and obvious abrasion under high loads. 

Originality/value: 

These results are helpful for the application of copper-embedded self-lubricating bearing materials.