Effect of phosphorus content on the mechanical and friction properties of oil-impregnated bronze bearings

Oil-impregnated bronze bearings with the different phosphorus contents (0~1%, mass fraction) were produced at the different sintering temperatures. To study the effect of P content on the friction and mechanical properties of the bearings, the friction coefficient and wear loss at the certain speed and load were measured, and the open-loop strength of bearings was examined. In addition, the optimized bearing content and sintering process parameters under the certain working conditions were obtained. The results show that, with the increase of P content, the wear loss of the bearings reduces, while the mechanical performances are improved. However, when the P content is excessed, the oil content reduces which is lower than the minimum standard. As the sintering temperature increases, the mechanical properties of the bearings are improved, but the friction coefficient is unstable. The open-loop strength and oil content of the oil-impregnated bronze bearing samples with 0.7% P content by mass after sintering at 650 ℃ are 22 MPa and 13.52%, respectively, showing the good comprehensive performance as the stable friction factor and the best sintering state.