Sintered iron-based antifriction materials with added beta-SiC

Iron-copper-lead-tin with added MoS2 to act as a solid lubricant was prepared by conventional powder metallurgy. 0.0-2.0 wt.% beta-SiC in steps of 0.5 wt.% was added to the basic iron-based material, followed by sintering at 800, 850 and 900 degrees C for 30 min. The addition of up to 1.0 wt.% SiC increases the coefficient of friction and the wear resistance, but a marginal decrease in the compressive strength and hardness is observed. The addition of more than 1.0 wt.% SiC increases the friction coefficient but the compressive strength and hardness deteriorate drastically for sintering at 900 degrees C. The wear rates at PV values of 0.58 and 0.76 MPa m s(-1) showed similar trends, whereas the results of tests at 2.68 MPa m s(-1) were quite opposite. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.