Mechanical and tribological properties of FeS/Cu–Bi self-lubricating materials reinforced with copper-plated steel fibers

• Published in: Industrial lubrication and tribology Vol. 76; no. 7/8; pp. 983 - 990
• Main Authors: Liu, Cong, Yin, Yanguo, Ma, Shibang, Liu, Wei, Han, Guiquan, Wang, Haoping, He, Chao
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bradford Emerald Publishing Limited 28.10.2024; Emerald Group Publishing Limited
• Subjects: Antifriction; Caustic soda; Compressive strength; Copper; Friction; Impact strength; Impact testing machines; Interfaces; Interfacial bonding; Load; Lubricants; Material properties; Mechanical properties; Morphology; Plating; Powder metallurgy; Scanning electron microscopy; Self lubricating materials; Self lubrication; Sodium; Steel fibers; Toughness; Tribology; Wear resistance; Interface bonding; Copper-plated steel fibers; Copper-based self-lubricating material; Antifriction and wear resistance
• ISSN: 0036-8792; 0036-8792; 1758-5775
• DOI: 10.1108/ILT-05-2024-0176

Purpose This study aims to investigate the effect of steel fibers on the mechanical and tribological properties of FeS/Cu–Bi self-lubricating materials. Design/methodology/approach The microstructure of the material was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. Tests on the crushing strength, impact toughness and tribological properties of materials were conducted using a universal electronic testing machine, a 300 J pendulum impact testing machine and an M200 ring-block sliding tribometer, respectively. Findings The mechanical properties of the material initially increased and then stabilized with increased copper-plated steel-fiber length. When the length of the copper-plated steel fiber was 7 mm, the mechanical properties of the material reached stability. Compared with the material without a copper-plated steel fiber, its crushing strength and impact toughness increased by 32.6% and 53%, respectively. A copper-plated steel fiber with a length of 7 mm lay flat in a copper matrix can strengthen the friction interface and enrich the lubricant. Accordingly, the antifriction and wear resistance of the materials increased by 17.6% and 55%, respectively. Originality/value The effects of copper-plated steel fibers on the properties of FeS/Cu–Bi self-lubricating materials were clarified. This work can serve as a reference for improving material performance and its engineering applications.