Sliding Tribological Behavior of Al–Fe–V–Si–Graphite Solid-Lubricating Composites at Elevated Temperatures

Aluminum alloy metal matrix composites (Al-MMCs) have been considered as promising materials for aerospace and automotive industries due to their excellent balance of physical, mechanical, and tribological properties. In the present work, the Al–Fe–V–Si alloy matrix composites with 0–20 wt. % copper-coated graphite were fabricated by hot-pressed sintering. The dry sliding tests were carried out at various temperatures ranging from room temperature (RT) to 350 °C. The microstructure, phase, hardness, and worn surface of the sintered composites were examined in detail. The effect of copper-coated graphite amount on the properties of the composite was also investigated. The results show that the Al–Fe–V–Si–graphite composites mainly consist of α-Al, Al₈Fe₂Si intermetallic, and graphite phases. The addition of Cu-coated graphite can decrease the friction coefficient and wear rate from RT to 350 °C. The Al–Fe–V–Si–graphite composite containing 10 wt. % copper-coated graphite exhibits better wear properties than other composites. The favorable lubricating properties were attributed to the tribolayer with graphite lubricating film formed on the worn surface.