Microstructure and High-Temperature Wear Performance of FeCr Matrix Self-Lubricating Composites from Room Temperature to 800 °C

FeCr matrix high-temperature self-lubricating composites reinforced by Mo, Ag, and CuO were fabricated by the powder metallurgy technique. The tribological behaviors of composites were studied at temperatures up to 800 °C. The CuO content was optimized according to the tribological results. Mo showed an obvious lubricating effect when it converted into MoO(3). The bimetallic oxide system formed high-temperature solid lubricants with low shear strength. CuO reacted with MoO(3) and formed CuMoO(4) and Cu(3)Mo(2)O(9). The composites showed an increase in the friction coefficient with the increase of CuO. However, the wear rates decreased with the increase of CuO. The critical threshold at which there was a transition of friction coefficients and wear rates from room temperature (RT) to 800 °C was 10 wt.% CuO. The Fe(Cr)-14% Mo-10.5% Ag-10% CuO composite showed the most reasonable high-temperature tribological behaviors. This was ascribed to the synergistic effects of silver, Mo, in situ formed solid lubricants (metal oxides and salt compounds), and the stable oxide film on the worn surfaces. At elevated temperatures, the dominant wear mechanism was oxidation wear.