Microstructure and mechanical properties of Cu–10Al–4Ni–4.8Fe with MoS2 content prepared by powder metallurgy

In this study, the effect of different amounts of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) content on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Cu–10Al–4Ni–4.8Fe powder alloys was investigated. The results showed that the alloy initially consisted of KⅠ, KⅡ, KⅢ, and α phases without MoS2. However, when 2% MoS2 content was added, the lamellar Cu1.84Mo6S8 phase appeared in the alloy, and with increasing MoS2 content, the lamellar Cu1.84Mo6S8 phase and the number of pores increased. A gradual increase in the MoS2 content initially increased the sintered density, hardness, and yield strength of the alloy and then decreased. The sintered density and hardness reached their maximum values at 2% MoS2 content, while the yield strength reached its maximum value at 4% MoS2 content. With increasing MoS2 content, the friction coefficient fluctuated, while the wear loss decreased after first increasing. By applying the study results, the wear resistance of aluminum-bronze powder alloys can be improved to meet its rapidly growing industrial requirements.