Effects of loads and speeds on friction and wear properties of Cu–Ti alloys processed by combination aging treatments

Abstract

The friction-wear properties of conductive elastic connectors are rarely reported but are important. The Cu–8Ti-0.4Cr-0.4 Mg, Cu–8Ti-0.4Cr-0.4Mg-0.3Al, Cu–8Ti-0.4Cr-0.4Mg-0.3Fe (in atom%) were fabricated and studied, and after treated by CR 60% + 450 °C/30min + CR 50% + 400 °C/120 min + 400 °C/1 min their hardness achieved to 447 HV, 446 HV, and 437 HV, respectively. The effects of loads and speeds on the friction and wear behavior of the studied Cu–Ti alloys were investigated by friction and wear testing machines. The wear mechanism of the alloy is mainly abrasive wear, as tested at a load of 50 N and a speed of 121 mm/s. While the wear mechanisms of the alloy are mainly oxidation wear, adhesive wear, and abrasive wear, as tested at a load of 100 N and a speed of 363 r/min. These findings bring an extended understanding of the friction and wear application of ultra-high strength conductive Cu–Ti alloys.