Abstract
In the present work, the mechanical and tribological properties of carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced Cu matrix composites featuring 0–1.8 vol% CNTs prepared by spark plasma sintering under dry sliding and boundary lubrication conditions were investigated. The results of microstructure revealed that the bonding interface in Cu/CNT composites was very well established. Additionally, the addition of CNTs has a positive effect on improving the hardness and tensile strength of the composites, while the stress–strain response quasi-static tensile test confirms the same results. CNTs are proved to lead to certain self-lubrication. The addition of CNTs could result in decreased coefficient of friction (COF) and wear rates by reducing adhesive wear under dry sliding conditions, while the oil lubricating film was the major reason for decreased COF under boundary lubrication conditions.
Highlights
Copper metal matrix composites show good potential application for heavy load-carrying sliding bearing capacity [1,2,3]
The uniform homogeneous distribution of the metallographic structure of Cu/carbon nanotube (CNT) composites suggests that CNTs are probably uniformly distributed in composites [26,27]
All the specimens mentioned in this paper presented the similar mechanical responses to with that seen in Figure 5a when exposed to quasi-static loads
Summary
Copper metal matrix composites show good potential application for heavy load-carrying sliding bearing capacity [1,2,3]. Some studies [12,13] have shown that due to the bridging and pulling-out effect of addition CNTs in metal matrix, mechanical properties such as hardness and tensile strength are improved significantly. Many studies have reported and reviewed the tribological properties of metal matrix composites. Indicated that the surface deformation of Cu/CNT composites could be reduced by adding CNTs to the Cu matrix, and a carbonaceous lubricating film was formed on the contact surface during sliding It could be concluded from the above results that the COF and wear rate of composites under dry sliding conditions decreased by adding CNTs to the Cu matrix due to positive effect on forming a carbonaceous lubricating film. There are still very few studies regarding a comparison of the tribological properties and wear mechanisms of Cu/CNTs under dry sliding and boundary lubrication conditions [16]. The tribological properties and wear mechanisms under dry sliding and boundary lubrication conditions are discussed. The relationship between mechanical and tribological properties is illustrated by theoretical analyses and laboratory tests
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