Abstract
The effects of electroless coatings on the microstructure and composition of the interface between multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and a Cu matrix and the mechanical properties and wear behavior of the resulting copper matrix composites were investigated. Ni and Cu coatings were electrolessly plated on MWCNTs and mixed subsequently with copper powder. Then copper matrix composites were prepared by sintering, hot extrusion and cold drawing processes. The results showed that MWCNTs were straight, long, uniformly dispersed and aligned in the composites. The Ni coating is more continuous, dense and complete than a Cu coating. The tensile strength, compressive strength, microhardness and tribological properties of Ni@MWCNTs/Cu composite along the drawing direction were enhanced most. The ultimate tensile strength and compressive strength were 381 MPa and 463 MPa, respectively. The friction coefficient and wear rate were reduced by 59% and 77%, respectively, compared with pure Cu samples. This study provides a new insight into the regulation of tribological properties of composites by their interface.
Highlights
The original multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were entangled into bundles of ~1 μm in diameter and aggregated into ~30 μm particles (Figure 1a)
MWCNTs were dispersed into single units by ultrasonic treatment, and no damage or interruption is found (Figure 1b)
The Ni coating (Figure 1d) was more complete, uniform and continuous than the Cu coating (Figure 1c). This is because Pd catalyst particles were attached to sensitized MWCNTs during electroless plating, and Ni was reduced and deposited on them
Summary
Copper and copper alloys have good conductivity, formability and corrosion resistance, low cost and easy manufacturing. They are widely used in precision gears, precision bearings, high-voltage bearings, high-speed railway grid contact lines/pantographs, slippers/tracks, resistance spot welding electrodes, automotive synchronous gear rings and other key components [1,2]. With the rapid development of precision machinery, highspeed electrified railways, aerospace, automotive and other fields in recent years, the friction and wear conditions on these working surfaces deteriorate rapidly, which leads to a significant decline in the service life and stability of existing parts. One of the effective ways to solve this problem is to select an appropriate reinforcement and control the composite structure and interface in order to prepare copper matrix composites with excellent wear resistance and mechanical properties
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