Wear and friction behavior of pressure infiltration cast copper‐carbon composites

Abstract

Metal matrix composites, prepared by pressure infiltration casting of copper base alloy into 2 types of microporous carbon preforms, one with 100% amorphous carbon and the other containing 40 wt pct. graphite and 60 wt pct. amorphous carbon, have been examined for their wear and friction behavior under ambient conditions using a pin‐on‐plate reciprocating wear tester. Micro‐structural characterization of tribo‐surfaces has been carried out. The thin carbon films formed on the tribo‐surface reduced the friction coefficient and wear for the composites, especially at low loads on the pin. Adhesive wear observed on the tribo‐surface promoted wear and friction at high loads. The wear and friction were observed to be very sensitive to the size and distribution of the microstructural constituents.