High-temperature Sliding Wear Properties of Graphite-Fe3Al Composites

Abstract

Sliding wear properties of graphite-Fe3Al composites were investigated for their applications in the manufacture of sintered bearings capable of withstanding high temperatures and loads. The sliding wear properties of the composites were measured at a high temperature according to the change of graphite content, which added as a solid lubricant. With increase in the graphite content, the sliding wear properties improved; however, when the graphite content exceeded 12 wt%, the sliding wear properties were deteriorated. Analysis by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction confirmed that graphite and Fe3Al formed a Fe3AlC0.5 phase by partial reaction with the matrix. The reaction dominated with increase of the graphite content. In addition, the Fe3AlC0.5 phase was also formed during wear test and was act as debris, causing deterioration of the sliding wear properties.