Research on the optimum sintering process of Al-based oil bearing in N₂ atmosphere

The Al-based sintered oil bearing (containing 7.5% Cu by mass) was prepared by powder metallurgy in N₂ atmosphere, the effects of sintering temperature and sintering time on the microstructures and comprehensive performances of Al-based sintered oil bearing were investigated, and the optimal sintering processing was obtained in this paper. The results show that, when the sintering temperature is beyond 537℃, the powder particles are partly molten, and the liquid phase is generated. With the increase of sintering temperature and the extension to sintering time, the dimensional shrink rate and crushing strength are increased, but the oil content is decreased. The optimal comprehensive performances of Al-based sintered oil bearing are obtained when the bearing samples are sintered at 560℃ for 120 min, and the crushing strength and oil content reaches 151.3 MPa and 16.7%, respectively.