Microstructure and Tribological Properties of Graphite/Antimony Composites for Mechanical Seal

摘要

Under the condition of 20 MPa and 950 °C, by means of the mechanical pressure infiltration process, the molten antimony was forced into the micro pores of the porous graphite. The graphite/antimony composites were prepared to compare tribological properties with the three selected similar materials from Germany, USA and Japan, which represent the international advanced level. The microstructure of graphite/ antimony composites was analyzed by optical microscope and SEM. The tribological properties were also measured by friction and wear behaviour experiment. It was obtained that the density of home made graphite/antimony composites was 2.40 g/cm~3, the shore hardness (Hs) was 102.5, the compression strength was 285 MPa and the flexural strength was 90 MPa. The homogeneous distribution of the metal phase promoted to form an optimal network structure in graphite/antimony composites and which is helpful to form a stable lubricating film and reduce the wear amount. The friction coefficients range from 0.12 to 0.14, which is lower than the value of selected samples. The results showed that the physical properties and the tribological properties of the homemade graphite/antimony composites have taken a lead in the world.