Tribological performance of graphite containing tin lead bronze–steel bimetal under reciprocal sliding test

As a solid self-lubricating material to serve under heavy load and low velocity, graphite containing tin lead bronze–steel bimetal composites were prepared using the powder metallurgy (P/M) technique. Effects of graphite content on tribological performance under reciprocal sliding were studied using the UMT-2MT tribo-meter. The optimal performance of average friction coefficient, maximum friction coefficient, friction coefficient amplitude and wear resistance can be achieved at the graphite content of ∼3 wt%. Appropriate graphite content and hardness are the two most crucial factors to achieve a good quality lubricating film on the worn surface and hence the desired solid lubrication performance.

Research Highlights
► Effects of graphite content on tribological performance under reciprocal sliding were studied using the UMT-2 MT tribo-meter in order to know the behavior of bimetal under heavy load and low velocity conditions.
► Bimetals with 3 wt% graphite content have very good comprehensive tribological performance.
► Appropriate graphite content and hardness of the materials are the two most crucial factors to achieve the desired solid lubrication performance.