Effect of alloy additives on the friction and wear properties of vacuum sintering FeAl matrix composite frictional materials

By adding frictional element carborundum, lubricating element graphite and strengthening element copper in Fe-Al alloy matrix, A series of FeAl matrix composite friction material were prepared by means of hot-pressing vacuum sintering method. The friction and wear behaviors of composite material at various applied loads and sliding velocities were investigated by MRH-3 wear machine at room temperature under dry conditions. Furthermore, the morphologies, phases and element valences of the worn surface and debris were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD), and photographs, respectively. Lastly the optimum technology was determined. Experimental results show that: (1) copper additive was beneficial to material sintering and improvement of mechanical performance; the wear mechanism is mainly abrasive wear. (2) a certain amount of graphite addition can form a solid lubricating film on the friction material surface, so, coefficient of friction and wear rate decrease. (3) addition of carborundum in composite material can adjust friction coefficient, play a role on anti-wear and anti-bonding; And, wear mechanism were mainly abrasive wear and contact fatigue wear.