Microstructure and Tribology Properties ofFe_3Al Base Friction Material

A new kind of Fe_3Al intermetallic base friction material was prepared by hot pressing. The microstrucure, mechanical properties and dry sliding friction and wear properties of this material were studied. The results show that the Fe_3Al intermetallic based friction material has low density, high strength, high and smooth friction coefficient, and excellent wear resistance at high temperature. There are different wear mechanisms at different conditions. Under light loads the main wear mechanisms include abrasive wear and fatigue wear, which are characterized with microploughing and concavities. Under heavy loads the wear mechanisms include serious plastic deformation, crack propagation and fatigue fracture at the former stage of the friction, and oxidation wear at the later stage.