Tribological performance of maintenance-free Cu-Sn-Ni-MoS₂ composites over a wide temperature range

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the friction and wear mechanisms in copper-based self-lubricating composites with MoS₂ as the lubricating phase, which provides a theoretical basis for subsequent research on high-performance copper-based self-lubricating materials.

Design/methodology/approach

Friction tests were performed at a speed of 100 r/min, a load of 10 N, a friction radius of 5 mm and a sliding speed of 30 min. Friction experiments were carried out at RT-500°C. The phase composition of the samples was characterized by X-ray diffraction of Cu Ka radiation, and the microstructure, morphology and elemental distribution were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Reactants and valences formed during the wear process were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

Findings

The addition of MoS₂ can effectively improve friction-reducing and anti-wear action of the matrix, which is beneficial to form a lubricating film on the sliding track. After analyzing different changing mechanism of the sliding tracks, the oxides and sulfides of MoS₂, MoO₂, Cu₂O, CuO and Ni(OH)₂ were detected to form a synergetic lubricating film on the sliding track, which is responsible for the excellent tribological properties from room to elevated temperature.

Research limitations/implications

For self-lubrication Cu–Sn–Ni–MoS₂ material in engineering field, there are still few available references on high-temperature application.

Practical implications

This paper provides a theoretical basis for the following research on copper-based self-lubricating materials with high performance.

Originality/value

With this statement, the authors hereby certify that the manuscript is the results of their own effort and ability. They have indicated all quotes, citations and references. Furthermore, the authors have not submitted any essay, paper or thesis with similar content elsewhere. No conflict of interest exits in the submission of this manuscript.

Citation

Zhao, Y., Guo, J., Yan, X., Du, S., Gong, M., Sun, B., Shi, J. and Deng, W. (2024), "Tribological performance of maintenance-free Cu-Sn-Ni-MoS₂ composites over a wide temperature range", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 76 No. 1, pp. 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1108/ILT-06-2023-0174