Effect of Different Concentrations of Sodium Silicate Impregnated on the Performance of Carbon/Copper Composites

Abstract

Sodium silicate solution-impregnated carbon/copper composites were prepared from electrolytic copper powder, graphite particulate and pitch coke powder through compression molding, carbonization and impregnation. The effect of different concentrations of sodium silicate solution on their mechanical and tribological properties was studied. The results showed that the density of the composites increased monotonically with increasing the concentration of the sodium silicate solution. As did the bending strength and compressive strength, and they reached maxima of 47.78 MPa and 170.06 MPa at 30 wt. % of sodium silicate, respectively. The friction coefficient and wear rate of composite decreased monotonically with increasing the concentration of sodium silicate due to the formation of a lubricating film. The wear mechanism of the impregnated composites was abrasive wear accompanied by slight adhesive wear. The netlike silicon dioxide skeleton reduced the probability of abrasive wear, forming an integrated lubricating film.