Effect of copper on structure and properties of sintered iron-based antifriction materials

The effects of the amount of copper in iron-base antifriction sintered materials were studied. It was concluded that effects of copper content are as follows. First, it acts as a strengthening element and can increase mechanical properties. Second, it is the main cause of formation of porosity, and decreases mechanical properties of the matrix. However, porosity makes materials self-lubricating and have good anti-friction property. 5% copper was regarded as the best composition of iron-based antifriction alloys. The negative effect of copper on mechanical properties, especially the tensile strength can be reduced when phosphorus was added.