Structural and phase transformations in the tribosynthesis area of copper-based self-lubricating composite material

The paper examines the structural self-organization and adaptation of the surface layers of self-lubricating composite antifriction material (SCAM) IPM-304 to friction conditions. It is shown that temperature jumps and elastoplastic deformation are observed in the tribological contact area in SCAM performance in vacuum under friction. These factors and the difference in thermal expansion coefficients of the matrix and lead, for example, cause partial melting, isolation, layer-by-layer change in shape and size, plasticization, and rearrangement of the antifriction and reinforcing components in thin layers of the friction surface. This results in layer-by-layer changes in the chemical and phase composition, structure, and mechanical properties of surface layers. That is, tribosynthesis proceeds on the material layer responsible for the improvement of SCAM tribotechnical characteristics: decrease in friction coefficient and increase in wear resistance.