Effect of precursor content and sintering temperature on the scuffing resistance of sintered self lubricating steel

► In situ formation of graphite nodules due to the dissociation of precursor (SiC particles). ► The nodules of graphite (size ≤20 nm) presented a nanostructured stacking of graphite foils a few nanometers thick. ► The thermal debinding, as well as the sintering, was performed in a single thermal cycle using a Plasma Assisted Debinding and Sintering (PADS) process. ► Increasing the precursor content and, as a consequence, the number of graphite nodules, produced a clear increase in scuffing resistance. ► Friction coefficient was little affected by the sintering temperature. However, the scuffing resistance was greatly increased (5×) for the lower sintering temperature.