Cr3C2 reinforced tin-bronze matrix composites with enhanced mechanical properties and wear resistance.

The tin bronze- x Cr 3 C 2 -graphite composites (x = 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%) were fabricated by mechanical alloying and spark plasma sintering. Fine-scale uniform distribution of composites was achieved. The Cr 3 C 2 particles enhanced the mechanical properties and wear resistance of copper-based composites. The as-sintered tin bronze-20Cr 3 C 2 -graphite showed a hardness of 109 HV, a compressive strength of 333 MPa, and a yield strength of 219 MPa. In addition, the wear rate of as-sintered tin bronze-20Cr 3 C 2 -graphite was maintained in the order of 10−5 at 30 N, 50 N, and 70 N. The wear mechanism of the studied composites varied from surface fatigue and adhesion wear to abrasive wear with the increase of Cr 3 C 2 content during dry sliding. These findings provide a new method for developing copper-based composites with enhanced mechanical properties and wear resistance. • The tin bronze-Cr 3 C 2 -graphite composites were fabricated by powder metallurgy. • The Cr 3 C 2 particles enhanced the mechanical properties and wear resistance of copper-based composites. • The wear mechanism of the studied composites varied with the increase of Cr 3 C 2 content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]