Tribological performances of CuSn10Bi3 alloy containing MoSi2 and ferrophosphorus under starved lubrication

The effects of molybdenum disilicide (MoSi2) and ferrophosphorus (FemPn) particles on the tribological properties of copper-tin bismuth (CuSn10Bi3) bimetallic bearing materials were studied in this paper. The samples of CuSn10Bi3 containing MoSi2 and/or FemPn were prepared by powder sintering technology and the metallographic structure of four kinds of self-lubricating copper alloy composite materials after sintering was observed. The tribological properties of the copper alloy composites under starved lubrication conditions were investigated and its worn surfaces and wear debris were discussed and analysed. The results show that the addition of MoSi2 and/or FemPn particles can effectively refine the grain size, optimise the grain boundary morphology, and improve the mechanical properties of the alloys. Under extreme working conditions, the hard particles reinforced copper-based alloy samples have better wear resistance and anti-seizure resistance.