J.D.B. de Mello

Influence of the SiC content and sintering temperature on the microstructure, mechanical properties and friction behaviour of sintered self-lubricating composites

This work reports the development of a new, low-friction coefficient combined with high mechanical strength and scuffing resistance of self-lubricating composite produced by powder injection moulding process and the recently introduced plasma-assisted debinding and sintering process. We present and discuss the effect of sintering temperature and SiC content on the microstructure, mechanical and friction properties. Three different temperatures (1100,1150, 1200°C) and six different SiC contents (0–5%) were analysed. SiC content had a paramount role on the microstructure, mechanical and friction behaviour. Sintering temperature had almost no effect on the friction coefficient. However, the sintering temperature strongly influences scuffing resistance. Raman spectra obtained in the central region of the wear scar indicate the presence of turbostratic two-dimensional graphite. The misorientation between graphene planes and the increase in interlamellae distance may induce a low interaction between these atomic planes and are, probably, the origin of the low-friction coefficient.

Effect of Liquid Phase during Sintering on Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Self-Lubricating Composites

The present work aimed to contribute to the development of high performance self-lubricating sintered composites, with low friction coefficient and high mechanical strength. Self-lubricating composites presenting embedded solid lubricants in a ferrous matrix were produced. Hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) and graphite were the solid lubricants powders added during the mixing step. The composites were processed by conventional powder metallurgy. The liquid phase sintering, by adding copper, improved the degree of continuity of the matrix by rearranging the solid lubricant particles. With this, besides the hardening effect on the matrix, the mechanical properties of the composites were improved, with tensile strength increasing when compared to the same composite without copper. By using the proposed methodologies, optimized composites presenting friction coefficient of 0.12, tensile strength of 500 MPa and scuffing resistance of 29300 N.m were obtained.

Development of the Self-Lubricating Steels by Compression of Granulated Powders

Self-lubrication composites containing second phase particles incorporated into the volume of the material appears to be a promising solution for controlling friction and wear in modern systems. The objective of this work was the development of steels with low friction coefficient using granulated powders through a precursor (SiC), which generate carbon nodules in a ferrous matrix. The studied alloy composition was Fe+0,6C+3SiC using 2 wt.% of EVA as binder. In this study, the influence of the average size of the iron particles and silicon carbide (SiC) in the microstructure, mechanical and tribological properties was evaluated. The powders were first mixed in a Y type mixer, granulated drum, compressed and sintered in plasma in a single thermal cycle assuring binder extraction and sintering of components. The achieved results were close to those of alloys of the same composition produced via powder injection molding (PIM) but with processing time and cost close to those of conventional powder metallurgy (PM). Materials with yield strength of 250 MPa, durability of 2800 Nm and 0.11 friction coefficient were obtained.