Synthesis and Quantitative Characterization of Novel Copper-Graphite Composite Materials for Use as Electrical Sliding Contacts

Abstract

Abstract This work presents quantitative microstructures and triboelectric properties of melt-infiltrated copper-graphite composites which are characterized by a specific structural composition. It compares them with commercially available carbon brush material. The structural design requires the synthesis of open porous graphite preforms. This work reports on advances in the powder preparation and the production of composites by means of direct squeeze casting. A specially developed tribo-electric testing device is presented. It is used to simultaneously test tribological, thermal, as well as electrical influences.