Effects of h-BN content on properties of Ni-Cr/h-BN composite

Ni-Cr/h-BN self-lubricating composities were prepared by powder metallurgy (P/M) method. The effects of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) content on the mechanical and tribological properties of the Ni-Cr/h-BN composites were investigated. The corresponding frictional models were established to analyze the formation of the lubricant h-BN films on the surfaces of the Ni-Cr/h-BN composites. The results show that, when the content of h-BN increases from 5% to 15% (mass fraction), the bending strength of the Ni-Cr/h-BN composite decreases from 96.670 MPa to 17.319 MPa, and the hardness (HB) decreases from 33 to 14. The friction coefficient of the Ni-Cr/h-BN composite decreases firstly from 0.385 to 0.216, and then increases to 0.284, while the wear rate decreases firstly from 4.14x10(-9) kg/(N center dot m) to 1.35x10(-9) kg/(N center dot m), then increases to 2.36x10(-9) kg/(N center dot m). The best comprehensive mechanical and tribological properties can be obtained between 10% and 12% h-BN addition.