Workability is a measure of deformation that powder metallurgy materials can withstand prior to fracture occurring in the formation or upsetting process. Nowadays, copper-based sintered composites produced by powder metallurgy processes are widely used in bearings and bushes. Also composites based on copper–tungsten (Cu–W) composite containing a solid lubricant (Graphite) have been developed as self-lubricating materials under the conditions of load, atmosphere and temperature. However, it should be noted that the addition of W has an adverse effect on the composites mechanical properties. In this paper the workability behavior of Cu reinforced with W and Gr composite was studied. Gr is a solid lubricant which is used to reduce friction. The various proportions of copper and tungsten powders are mixed with respect to different weight percentage (Pure Cu with 5% Gr, 90% Cu & 5% W with 5% Gr, 85% Cu & 10% W with 5% Gr) and specimen were prepared. The microstructures of the sintered specimens were examined. The compressibility test was conducted using Universal Testing Machine (UTM). The preparation and characterization are clearly discussed in this paper. Keywords: Workability, Formability Stress Index, Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs), powder metallurgy, relative density.
