Composite bearing material with polymer filled metal matrix interlayer of distinct metal particle sizes and method of making same

摘要

The present invention relates to a composite bearing material comprising three layers: (1) a metal backing, (2) a porous metal interlayer bonded to the metal backing which includes bronze or other copper alloy particles from two distinct particle size ranges and (3) a PTFE based composition intermixed with and overlying the porous metal interlayer. In accordance with the method of the present invention, the porous metal interlayer substantially comprises a relatively non- homogeneous mixture of particles from the two distinct particle size ranges, wherein a substantial portion of the relatively fine powder is segregated adjacent the metal backing. The present invention includes a significant thickness of the PTFE based composition applied to and remaining above the surface of the porous metal backing.