Metallurgical Aspects of Self-lubricating Composites Containing Graphite and MoS2

Abstract

The performance of dry self-lubricating bulk materials is directly related to microstructural aspects such as solid lubricant chemical composition and distribution. In this paper, dry powder mixtures were prepared from iron powder and 9-16.5 vol.% of solid lubricants (graphite and MoS2), both combined and isolated. The results showed that interactions and reactions occurred during processing, either between the solid lubricants or between the lubricants and the matrix, generating carbides and sulfides. On account of that, the lubricant distribution in the microstructure is greatly altered, and the microhardness, friction coefficient and wear rate are increased. The best results were achieved by adequate powder particle size, solid lubricant content and sintering temperature control. In the composite containing 9%MoS2 + 2.5%C, values of friction coefficient and wear rate lower than 0.08 and 8 × 10−6 mm3 N−1 m−1 were reached.