Tribological Characterization of Iron Based Ceramic Reinforced Self- lubricating Material

Abstract

In this paper, the effect of ZrO2 reinforcement and MoS2 as solid lubricant on tribological properties of iron-copper-tin composite for plain bearing application have been investigated. This paper includes two studies, one in which wt% of MoS2 is varied keeping wt% of ZrO2 constant and in another wt% of ZrO2 is varied keeping wt% of MoS2 constant to see the effect of ZrO2 as reinforcement and MoS2 as a solid lubricant for improving tribological properties of sintered Fe-Cu-Sn material. The material was prepared by sintering at temperature of 1150° C. The tribological properties of developed materials were analysed by ball on disk test.Least value of COF 0.0421 is shown by sample with 2 wt.% of MoS2 and 2 wt.% of ZrO2. Least wear rate of 0.4581x10-4 mm\Nm for sample with 2 wt.% of MoS2 and 2 wt.% ZrO2.Characterization of worn surfaces revealed abrasive and adhesive wear including third body abrasive wear, delamination and micro-ploughing in reinforced composites. The addition of MoS2 has improved tribological properties, whereas ZrO2 addition not only improved tribological properties, but also improved strength and hardnessof the composite. Maximum hardness value 208HV (701.4MPa) is shown by the composite with 2 wt.% of MoS2 and 2 wt. % of ZrO2. The findings show that the developed material could be used for antifriction andantiwear plain bearing applications.