Effects of h-BN content on properties of Ni-Cr/h-BN composite

Ni-Cr/h-BN self-lubricating composities were prepared by powder metallurgy (P/M) method.The effects of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) content on the mechanical and tribological properties of the Ni-Cr/h-BN composites were investigated.The corresponding frictional models were established to analyze the formation of the lubricant h-BN films on the surfaces of the Ni-Cr/h-BN composites.The results show that,when the content of h-BN increases from 5% to 15% (mass fraction),the bending strength of the Ni-Cr/h-BN composite decreases from 96.670 MPa to 17.319 MPa,and the hardness (HB) decreases from 33 to 14.The friction coefficient of the Ni-Cr/h-BN composite decreases firstly from 0.385 to 0.216,and then increases to 0.284,while the wear rate decreases firstly from 4.14×10-9 kg/(N·m) to 1.35×10-9 kg/(N·m),then increases to 2.36×10-9 kg/(N·m).The best comprehensive mechanical and tribological properties can be obtained between 10% and 12% h-BN addition.