Microstructure and tribological properties of tin bronze-graphite composites made by stir casting

Abstract

The paper presents results of the studies into production of copper-based composite materials for slide bearings. The studied materials covered tin bronze based composites with addition of lubricating phases in a form of graphite. The composite materials were prepared by melting and casting with simultaneous stirring. The titanium was introduced to the metal matrix in order to improve wettability of the graphite particles. The lowest average value of the coefficient of friction was reached with the CuSn10/graphite 45 μm composite which contained 0,4 % Ti. Low coefficients of friction and wear of the friction pair were also reached with other examined composites in CuSn10 matrix.

Keywords

• bronze composite materials
• bearing materials
• stir casting
• microstructure
• tribological properties