Effects of iron content on tribological properties of Cu-Fe-based friction material

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of iron content on the friction and wear performances of Cu–Fe-based friction materials under dry sliding friction and wear test condition.

Design/methodology/approach

Cu–Fe-based friction materials with different iron content were prepared by powder metallurgy route. The tribological properties of Cu–Fe-based friction materials against GCr15 steel balls were studied at different applied loads and sliding speeds. Meanwhile, microstructure and phases of Cu–Fe-based friction materials were investigated.

Findings

Cu–Fe-based friction materials with different iron content are suitable for specific applied load and sliding speed, respectively. Low iron content Cu–Fe-based friction material is suitable for a high load 60 N and low sliding speed 70 mm/min and high iron content Cu–Fe-based friction material will be more suitable for a high load 60 N and high sliding speed 150 mm/min. The abrasive wear is the main wear mechanism for two kinds of Cu–Fe-based friction materials.

Originality/value

The friction and wear properties of Cu–Fe-based friction materials with different iron content were determined at different applied loads and sliding speeds, providing a direction and theoretical basis for the future development of Cu–Fe-based friction materials.

Citation

Zheng, Y., Liu, Y., Zheng, F., Song, Q., Zhang, C., Wang, J., Dong, N., Shi, A. and Han, P. (2019), "Effects of iron content on tribological properties of Cu-Fe-based friction material", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 71 No. 5, pp. 718-723. https://doi.org/10.1108/ILT-01-2019-0039