Studies on mechanical properties of the sintered bronze-graphite composites

Abstract

Bronze with addition of graphite, produced by powder metallurgy processes are widely used in textile and food industries as bearings and bushes. Addition of graphite serves to reduce sliding contact between machine parts, especially where grease and oil lubricant cannot be used. Sintered bronze-graphite composite with various volume percentage of graphite at different particle size and at varying compaction load was prepared. The surface morphology of the composites was experimented by scanning electron microscope. The sintered composites exhibited reduced porosity and improved relative density. The theoretical, green, sintered and relative density of the specimens were determined. It was found that the porosity of the composites decreased with increase in volume percentage of graphite. The effect of variation in particle size of graphite, volume of graphite content and compaction load on hardness of the sintered composites were studied. The scratch test for all the specimens at a constant load of 10 N was conducted