Material and Tribology Issues of Self-Lubricating Copper Matrix Composite

Abstract

This chapter addresses fundamental issues (i.e. material issue and tribology issue) of the self-lubricating copper matrix composite under dry sliding contact. The development of metal matrix composites for tribological applications relies largely on a trial-and-error method because no adequate knowledge from tribology is involved. To make good metal matrix composites for tribological applications, knowledge from both materials science and tribology are required. This chapter comprehensively introduces the tribological aspect of self-lubricating copper matrix composites for tribological applications. The main mission of this chapter is to introduce the tribological consideration in fabricating copper matrix composite (Cu- graphite and Cu-SiO2 composites as examples) for tribological application. Material aspect (e.g. mixing method, sintering temperature) is briefly reviewed. The main concern is variations of chemical composition, microstructure, and property of tribo-layer of copper matrix composites sliding against different counter-face materials and under different operating conditions.