Abstract
Cu-Sn sintered materials were developed by utilizing bronze chips. The bronze chips, which were produced by dry-turning of BC3 bar, were mixed with electrolytic copper powder and atomized tin powder. The mixed powders were cold-compacted and then sintered without pressure. The limit of mixing amount of the chips to produce green compacts increased as the size of chips decreased. The effects of size and mixing amount of the chips on the density, microstructure and mechanical properties of the sintered specimens were investigated. It was found that the sintered density and mechanical properties increased as the mixing amount of chips increased up to 10 mass%, but decreased slightly above 10 mass%. There was no significant influence of size of chips on the sintered density. Cu-10 mass% Sn-20 vol% graphite sintered composites, which contained not only the bronze chips but also copper-coated graphite powder, showed low wear and friction under dry sliding conditions.
