Self Lubricating Components

Abstract: The tribological and mechanical properties are of great importance for a material’s lifetime, since it is highly dependent on these two factors. The purpose of this report was to examine suitable solid lubricants for Erasteel, a company that manufactures hot isostatic pressed high speed steels, that will enhance the tribological properties of their steels without worsening the mechanical properties. Solid lubricants can be used to make a material self lubricating which is desirable in certain applications. Since the steel composite is manufactured through powder metallurgy and hot isostatic pressing, the solid lubricants were required to be compatible with this manufacturing process. The research was conducted through literature studies. The five additives, which were deemed suitable for the limitations given by Erasteel, were molybdenum disulfide, tungsten disulfide, hexagonal boron nitride, copper and a lead-tin-silver combination. Neither was found to be superior in every area discussed, therefore several combinations of multiple additives were suggested.