Friction and wear behaviour of Fe-Cu-C based self lubricating material with CaF2 as solid lubricant
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the effect of CaF2 (calcium fluoride) addition as a solid lubricant on the friction and wear behaviour of sintered Fe-Cu-C materials under different loads.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, the effects of CaF2 added in varying weight percentages on the friction-wear properties of Fe-2Cu-0.8C alloys are investigated. Five Fe-2Cu-0.8C-based compositions comprising CaF2 in 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 Wt.% were prepared using the single-stage compaction and sintering technique. Friction coefficient, wear loss, hardness and compressive strength of the specimens were measured. The worn-out surfaces were analysed using a scanning electron microscope. Friction and wear tests were carried out on pin-on-disc machine under dry sliding conditions at room temperature.
Findings
The alloy with 3 Wt.% CaF2 was found to be useful in improving wear and friction properties, whereas higher contents of CaF2 resulted in increased wear and friction. Apart from enhanced tribological properties, a slight decrease in the compressive strength was also observed in the 3-Wt.%-CaF2-added sample. Adhesion and abrasion were the prominent wear types observed during this study.
Originality/value
A new self-lubricating composite is developed where CaF2 is used as a solid lubricant in a Fe-Cu-C-based matrix. CaF2, being a high-temperature lubricant, is tried and tested for friction and wear at room temperature, and the results show that the addition of CaF2 in Fe-Cu-C improved its friction and wear properties. Thus, the developed material can be used for antifriction applications.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thankfully acknowledge the staff of Department of Mechanical Engineering, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra, J&K, India, for their support in carrying out this study. They also extend our gratitude to Metallurgical Products India Pvt. Limited (Maharashtra) and Timcal Ltd. (Maharashtra) for providing calcium fluoride and graphite powders for carrying out this research.
Citation
Sharma, S.M. and Anand, A. (2017), "Friction and wear behaviour of Fe-Cu-C based self lubricating material with CaF2 as solid lubricant", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 69 No. 5, pp. 715-722. https://doi.org/10.1108/ILT-04-2016-0085
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited