Effect of coal tar pitch modified by sulfur as a binder on the mechanical and tribological properties of bronze-impregnated carbon-matrix composites

▶ Sulfur addition increased the softening point and carbon yield of coal tar pitch. ▶ The mechanical properties of the composites reached a maximum at 7 wt. % of sulfur. ▶ The friction coefficient rose monotonously with increasing the content of sulfur. ▶ The wear rate of the composites reached a minimum at 7 wt. % of sulfur. ▶ The wear mechanism of composites was adhesive wear, abrasive wear and oxidative wear.