Improvement of mechanical and tribological properties of centrifugally cast functionally graded copper for bearing applications

The functionally graded Cu-11Ni-4Si/10wt%WC composite and its alloy have been synthesized using horizontal centrifugal casting technique to compare the mechanical and tribological improvement and its utility for bearings and bushes. Microstructure analysis and mechanical tests showed 43% improvement in hardness and 160% improvement in tensile strength at inner radial distances compared to the outer composite periphery. Fractural analysis showed ductility for alloy, whereas for composites, brittleness at outer and a combination of both ductility and brittleness were observed at inner. Proportional rise in the wear rate and coefficient of friction was observed with increasing load and sliding distances for both composite and alloy. Composite showed a slight decline in the wear rate and coefficient of friction with an increase in the sliding velocity, while alloy showed a linear rise. Worn surfaces analysis of composite showed the formation of oxide layers, which reduced the coefficient of friction at higher sliding velocity, resulting in lower wear rate.