The Tribological Characteristics of Solid Lubricant Embedded Tin Bronze Bearings

The tribological characteristics of tin bronze bearing and solid lubricants (PTFE and/or graphite) embedded tin bronze bearings were studied comparatively using a pin on disc tester at room temperature and dry friction conditions.The results indicate that,comparing the bearing without solid lubricant,the friction coefficient of solid lubricant embedded bearings decreases obviously,wear resistance increases 2 orders of magnitude.When the content of solid lubricants is 30% (in area fraction),the tribological properties of bearings are the best.The morphology of wear scar and worn debris,transfer films and element distribution on the surface were analyzed by means of electron probe microanalyzer,scanning electron microscope and energy dispersion spectroscopy.The results indicate that the transfer film formed on the friction interface,especially on the surface of embedded bearing is the key to improve the performance of embedded bearings.The main wear mechanism of solid lubricants embedded tin bronze bearings is adhesive wear and fatigue wear.