Friction, wear, and targeted synthesis of rubbing surfaces of self-lubricating composites

Self-lubricating copper-based composites are developed. It is shown that the structure of the surface layer, which is formed and deformed by the friction forces at the interface, is the major contributor to the friction process. The main stages of developing highly efficient tribotechnical materials for extreme operating conditions (high pressing forces and sliding velocities, absence of lubrication, high vacuum) are examined. A comprehensive approach to constructing tribotechnical composite systems is used to develop several copper-based materials for different operating conditions; in particular, self-lubricating antifriction composites to perform in high-speed friction pairs as well as in tribotechnical systems operating under high vacuum. __________ Translated from Poroshkovaya Metallurgiya, Vol. 46, No. 3–4 (454), pp. 11–19, 2007.