Microstructure, mechanical properties and tribological behaviour of PM Fe-Cu-Zn alloys containing solid lubricants

Abstract

Fe-Cu-Zn alloys containing solid lubricants of graphite and talc produced via cold pressing and sintering technology are investigated. The influence of composition and sintering temperature on open porosity, density, strength and hardness of these alloys is studied. The microstructure is correlated with the mechanical properties of the sintered materials. The tensile tests showed that the peak strength was observed for samples sintered at ≤1000°C. Above this temperature the bending and tensile strength values decrease. Microstructural analysis of sintered materials revealed three phases in the structure: α-Fe, α-brass and talc. Results indicate that the microstructure of sintered samples is sensitive to process variables such as brass and talc contents and sintering temperature.