Properties and elevated temperature wear mechanism of pure copper and TiC/Cu nanocomposites

Abstract

The properties and elevated temperature wear mechanism of pure copper and in situ TiC/Cu matrix composites fabricated via combustion synthesis assisted with hot press were investigated. Brinell hardness, compression properties and electrical conductivity were studied. It was found that of the Brinell hardness, yield strength and compressive strength of the composites is higher than sintered pure copper, however, the electrical conductivity and fracture strain of the composites are lower. Dry sliding friction and wear tests showed that the worn surface transformed from furrow to spalling pit and the wear rate increases with the increasing temperature and applied load, the wear failure changes gradually from surface plastic deformation, plough wear and oxidation wear to abrasive wear and fatigue spalling wear.