High temperature tribological response of Fe-2Cu-0.8C-CaF₂ self-lubricating composites at high speeds

In this work, Fe-2Cu-0.8C-CaF2 self-lubricating composites with calcium fluoride solid lubricant (3 square 12 wt.%) were examined for their friction and wear at 5 and 10 m/s, at 500 degrees C. Addition of CaF2 decreased density and hardness of composites. During sliding, materials gained weight due to oxidation. Compared to the base matrix (Fe-2Cu-0.8C), composites showed lower weight gain and lower coefficient of friction. Increase in porosity with CaF2 content increased oxidation resulting in higher weight gain and increased friction due to wear debris abrasion. Increase in speed reduced weight gain due to higher material loss. Adhesion was the dominant wear mechanism in base matrix; delamination and wear debris abrasion in composites. Temperature rise at sliding surfaces was theoretically estimated. Increase in speed increased temperature, which reduced friction due to softening and shearing of solid lubricant. Composite with 3 wt.% CaF2 showed least surface damage and 6 wt.% showed lowest coefficient of friction, i.e., lower by 16% and 10% at 5, 10 m/s than base matrix. Tribological response of the composites to a broad range of applied parameters, viz. speed, load and temperature taken from earlier works and present work is briefly summarized. The study suggests the dominant role of CaF2 content and the wear debris in altering the tribological response. Further, the stability of the developed composites at high temperature and high load conditions was also established. The study suggests that the developed composites could serve high-load and high-temperature applications for heavy machinery such as bearings, shafts and gears.