Wear behaviour of copper/carbon nanotubes

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the wear behaviour of copper matrix composites reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) prepared by powder metallurgy route. Design/methodology/approach The CNTs were treated by sulphuric acid and nitric acid to deagglomerate the CNTs prior mixing with copper powder. The composites comprised 0 to 4 Vol.% pristine CNTs (PCNTs) and also after acid-treated CNTs (ACNTs). The optimum value (pure Cu, 3 Vol.% PCNTs, 3 Vol.% ACNTs) evaluated by micro-hardness test was selected for wear test analysis. Findings The results showed that the enhancement of hardness, weight loss, coefficient of friction, wear depth and surface roughness (Ra) was due to the effect of homogenous distribution of ACNTs in Cu matrix and significant bonding compared to pure Cu and Cu-reinforced PCNTs. The scanning electron microscopy micrograph of worn surfaces and wear depth of the specimens also showed that the addition of ACNTs in Cu resulted in better wear performances. Originality/value CNTs were treated prior processing to improve hardness and wear properties of Cu/CNTs composites.