Influence of copper content on wear behavior of composites “steel ShKh15/copper” at sliding against copper under electric current of contact density higher than 100 A/cm2

Abstract

Powder composites “steel ShKh15/copper” in alumina ceramics and graphite powders surrounding were sintered in the air. Powder steel was restored from grinding slime of bearings production. It is shown that the steel framework has low level of mechanical properties, but high pore space percolation. Copper concentration increases isolated pores concentration impeding oil impregnation. This effect did not allow making the long and steady sliding electric contact with contact current density higher than 150 A/cm2. The sintered composites based on recycled bearing steel and containing near 15%Cu show high wear resistance at sliding with a contact current density 150–200 A/cm2 under boundary lubrication.