Properties of lead-free copper matrix composites prepared through in situ Ni-coated FeS surface modification and mechanical alloying

Lead-free FeS/Cu-Bi (FCB) copper matrix composites were prepared by ball milling and in situ Ni-coated FeS surface modification, and their mechanical and tribological properties were studied. Results showed that the hardness of the prepared FCB material increases from 50.5 HRB to 64 HRB, and its density also increases from 5.82 g/cm(3) to 6.96 g/cm(3). Although FeS surface modification can improve the mechanical properties of the prepared materials, their impact toughness and crushing strength decrease after the mechanical al-loying of the mixed powders. However, these two processes have a good synergistic effect on improving the tribological properties of the prepared materials. The friction coefficient and wear rate of the prepared FCB composites were reduced by 29% and 73.2%, respectively. The surface modification and uniform dispersion of the second phase particles in the matrix led to enhancement in the binding energy with the matrix and the mechanical and tribological properties of the materials. (c) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Lead-free FeS/Cu-Bi (FCB) copper matrix composites were prepared with improved hardness and density through FeS surface modification, although impact toughness and crushing strength decreased; nevertheless, these processes had a synergistic effect on enhancing the tribological properties of the materials.