Development of a high mechanical strength and self-lubricating composite via 2C-MIM – multi-material injection moulding of powders

Abstract

The 2C-PIM (two-component powder injection moulding) technique provides a method for bonding two materials without requiring secondary operations. Powder metallurgy is a technique for producing such components, offering precise microstructural control of the final piece and minimal wastage of raw materials. This study proposes the utilisation of a 2C-PIM to obtain a composite with self-lubricating properties and high mechanical strength. The results showed that the bending strength between the materials was satisfactory, with all joints reaching values above 800 N/mm², and the porosity in the interface was lower than that on the boards. Chemical analysis showed that the diffusion of elements was not significant at the interface. The COF values were lower for the alloys with Ni and SiC, with the lowest value being 0.06. When comparing the lubricity test of the alloys individually with the triboscopy test between the interfaces, it was observed that the low porosity of the interface region influenced the COF results.