Effect of Pressing Force and Sintering Temperature on the Structure and Properties of Fe–Cu–G–MoS2 Alloys

Abstract In response to the current situation where the comprehensive performance of self-lubricating bearing materials cannot meet actual needs, this study used Fe as the base material, Cu as the strengthening component, and Graphite-MoS2 as the lubricating component, and employed cold pressing vacuum sintering technology to prepare Fe–Cu-based self-lubricating materials. The study of the influence of different pressing pressures and sintering temperatures on the comprehensive properties (microstructure, mechanics, and tribology) of Fe–Cu-based self-lubricating materials, further determines the optimal pressing pressure and sintering temperature for Fe–Cu-based self-lubricating materials. The results show that: as the compressive force increases, the friction coefficient (COF) and wear rate of the material gradually decrease, while its hardness and compressive strength gradually increase; as the sintering temperature increases, the friction coefficient and wear rate of the material first decrease and then increase, while the hardness value gradually increases. Comprehensive analysis shows that when the pressing pressure is 600 MPa and the sintering temperature is 1150°C, Fe–Cu-based self-lubricating materials have good overall performance, namely, compressive strength up to 560 MPa, hardness value of 199 HV0.2, low friction coefficient of 0.267, and wear rate maintained at a low level of 0.090 mm3/(N m).