An investigation on wear behavior of Cu-graphite nanocomposites prepared by flake powder metallurgy

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of nanographite content and the sliding time on the wear behavior of Cu-graphite nanocomposites. Design/methodology/approach Cu-graphite nanocomposites were produced by flake powder metallurgy from the copper and nanographite powders in the range of 0-5 wt.% of graphite. The effect of sliding time and content of B4C particles on the wear behavior of Cu-graphite nanocomposites was analyzed. Findings Results show that the wear mechanisms of copper and Cu-graphite nanocomposites are adhesive wear and delaminating wear, respectively. It was observed that the wear loss increased with increasing load. Wear loss of the Cu-graphite nanocomposites decreased with increase in graphite content. This was related to change in wear mechanism from adhesive to delamination wear. Originality/value Although there are a wide range of applications for Cu-based materials, there is a scarcity of literatures on the wear behavior of Cu-nanographite composites that can be used for electrical contact applications.