Abstract

Microindentation is used to examine the elastoplastic deformation of a self-lubricating copper-based antifriction composite. Its performance and wear resistance in deep vacuum and in open air in friction are studied. It is shown that the surface friction layer synthesized during sliding in vacuum differs from the initial material not only in the phase and chemical composition, but also in the structural state and mechanical characteristics: it has high hardness and is very liable to relax stresses. The self-organization of the surface-layer material in the friction zone leads to the self-lubrication effect and thus to low friction coefficient, high wear resistance, and good performance of the tribosystem in vacuum as a whole. It is established that the liability of the surface friction layer synthesized in open air to relax stresses is insignificant because of lead oxidation and thus its lubricating properties decrease as well. The wear resistance of the material decreases and wear rate and friction coefficient increase in friction in open air.