Electrical wear performance of copper matrix composites reinforced with hybrid CNTs and TiB2 particles

Abstract

Purpose Copper matrix composites are widely used in high-voltage switches, electrified railways and other electric friction fields. The purpose of this study is to improve its wear resistance and investigate the effect of hybrid carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and titanium diboride (TiB2) particles reinforced copper matrix composites on electrical wear performance. Design/methodology/approach CNTs and TiB2 particles were introduced into copper matrix simultaneously by powder metallurgy combined with electroless copper plating. Electrical wear performance of the composites was studied on self-made pin on disk electrical wear tester. Findings The results show that the friction coefficient and wear rate of (1CNTs–4TiB2)/Cu composite are respectively reduced by 40% and 25.3%, compared with single TiB2/Cu composites. The micron-sized TiB2 particles can hinder the plastic deformation of composites, and bear part of the load to weaken the wear rate of composites. CNTs with the self-lubricating property can form lubricating layer to reduce the friction coefficient of composites. Originality/value This work can provide a design method for further improving the wear properties of TiB2/Cu composites.