Wear behavior of self-lubricating Fe-Cr-C-Mn-Cu alloys: Smearing effect of second phase particles

Abstract

Newly developed self-lubricating Fe-Cr-C-Mn-Cu cast composite alloys were investigated to study the role of Cu-rich second phase particles which smear on the wear surface during sliding. The wear resistance of the material was improved with an increasing copper concentration. The improved wear resistance was probably obtained by forming a protective tribofilm, which prevented metal-to-metal contact through smearing of the embedded Cu-rich second phase particles. This formation of protective oxide films during sliding is likely to improve the wear resistance of austenitic Fe-Cr-C-Mn-Cu cast composite alloys.