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<p>Development of environmentally sustainable tribological materials remains a key challenge, particularly in replacing lead-containing copper-based bearing alloys. Although a range of lead-free copper-based alloys has been developed, most suffer from trade-offs between lubricity, conformability, and wear resistance, particularly under load-bearing conditions. Removing toxic lead (environmentally unfriendly) requires compensation for its lost lubricity and conformability, which can be addressed by incorporating silicon dioxide (SiO<sub>2</sub>) nanoparticle to restore hardness and wear resistance. However, these additions introduce microstructural heterogeneity, including complex particle–matrix interfaces and localized strain fields, which influence stress partitioning and deformation. This study investigates mechanical responses of heterogeneous composite multilayer systems consisting of mild steel, Copper-tin (CuSn), and tin-bismuth (SnBi) with and without SiO2 nanoparticles. CuSn provides thermal and electrical conductivity, whilst SnBi contributes Bi-rich phases that enhance solid lubrication. Materials were produced by powder metallurgy with enhanced milling to improve nanoparticle dispersion and interfacial adhesion. Mechanical properties were assessed for wear resistance using nanoindentation and progressive-load scratch testing, supported by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy to examine deformation mechanism. Results show a 40–50% increase in hardness in nanoparticles-reinforced materials. Mechanical behaviour variations strongly correlate with local microstructural features, including phase distribution and interfacial characteristics. Pre-existing oxide layers significantly influence damage initiation during scratch loading. Overall, SiO2 incorporation enhances load transfer at well-bonded interfaces and improves microscale mechanical stability. The combined nanoindentation–scratch methodology provides an efficient method for evaluating mechanical behaviour and predicting tribological performance, supporting the development of safer and more sustainable tribological materials.</p>

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Mechanical Behaviour of CuSn/SnBi Coating with the Addition of SiO2 Nanoparticles

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月25日

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  • Hassiba Ait-Sadi,
  • Amel Halimi,
  • Larbi Hemmouche,
  • Alain Iost,
  • Rach Ait-Sadi

摘要

Development of environmentally sustainable tribological materials remains a key challenge, particularly in replacing lead-containing copper-based bearing alloys. Although a range of lead-free copper-based alloys has been developed, most suffer from trade-offs between lubricity, conformability, and wear resistance, particularly under load-bearing conditions. Removing toxic lead (environmentally unfriendly) requires compensation for its lost lubricity and conformability, which can be addressed by incorporating silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanoparticle to restore hardness and wear resistance. However, these additions introduce microstructural heterogeneity, including complex particle–matrix interfaces and localized strain fields, which influence stress partitioning and deformation. This study investigates mechanical responses of heterogeneous composite multilayer systems consisting of mild steel, Copper-tin (CuSn), and tin-bismuth (SnBi) with and without SiO2 nanoparticles. CuSn provides thermal and electrical conductivity, whilst SnBi contributes Bi-rich phases that enhance solid lubrication. Materials were produced by powder metallurgy with enhanced milling to improve nanoparticle dispersion and interfacial adhesion. Mechanical properties were assessed for wear resistance using nanoindentation and progressive-load scratch testing, supported by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy to examine deformation mechanism. Results show a 40–50% increase in hardness in nanoparticles-reinforced materials. Mechanical behaviour variations strongly correlate with local microstructural features, including phase distribution and interfacial characteristics. Pre-existing oxide layers significantly influence damage initiation during scratch loading. Overall, SiO2 incorporation enhances load transfer at well-bonded interfaces and improves microscale mechanical stability. The combined nanoindentation–scratch methodology provides an efficient method for evaluating mechanical behaviour and predicting tribological performance, supporting the development of safer and more sustainable tribological materials.