Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide sliding members having preferable lubrication and seizure resistance. Sliding members comprising a columnar texture which is composed from at least one of metal nitrides, metal oxides, metal carbides, and metals on a base member, wherein the columnar texture is composed of assemblies of fine columnar asperities, with intervals formed between the columnar asperities being connected to each other so as to form a net work, and with gaseous, liquid, or solid lubricants being maintained in the intervals. The mutually connected intervals in the columnar texture are superior in filling and holding of lubricants, and the above described superiorities improve lubrication and seizure resistance and extend sliding life.

Abstract: A process for preparation of graphite-containing aluminum alloys includes incorporating graphite particles into an aluminum containing melt. When the graphite particles are incorporated, floating of the graphite particles to the surface of the melt is prevented by the use of certain additive metals. Before the graphite particles are incorporated into the melt, titanium, chromium, zirconium, nickel, vanadium, cobalt, manganese, niobium or phosphorus is incorporated and dispersed into the melt. The produced aluminum alloys are suitable to use as dry frictional contacts such as bearings.

Abstract: A method of producing a copper-graphite particles composite alloy having good mechanical properties and good wear resistant property, which comprises preparing a metal of copper base alloy containing 0.1 to 10% by weight of Ti, Cr, Zr and/or Mg, dispersing graphite particles in the melt under agitation to form a homogeneous dispersion of the graphite particles, charging the melt in which the graphite particles are dispersed homogeneously into a heat conductive metal mold, and then applying a pressure of 150 kg/cm.sup.2 or above to the surface of the melt until the solidification of the melt is finished.

Abstract: A collector for collecting and passing an electric current in sliding contact, which is used for an electric train, a crane, a hoist or the like, said collector comprising a substrate metal or metal matrix into which a solid lubricant is dispersed, a layer of a prescribed thickness containing dispersed therein particles of the solid lubricant having a particle size of up to 2.5 mm, which is formed on the sliding surface side of the collector, and a solid lubricant-free layer of a prescribed thickness formed on the opposite surface side of the collector.