Fabrication of graphite-Ti3AlC2 synergistically reinforced copper matrix composites

Abstract

Copper-graphite composites find extensive application as electrical contact materials. However, their tribological properties are limited by the weak interfacial bonding. In this study, Ti3AlC2 was used to modify copper-graphite composites fabricated by vacuum sintering. The incorporation of Ti3AlC2 included both coated Cu and uncoated Cu. The hardness, relative density, tribological properties, and microstructure of the composites were thoroughly investigated. The results show that the addition of Ti3AlC2 coated with Cu was conducive to avoiding the agglomeration of Ti3AlC2 particles, and resulting in superior relative density, hardness, lubrication and wear resistance of the composites. Furthermore, the incorporation of Ti3AlC2 not only enhanced the presence of lubricating components in copper-graphite composites but also improved the interface bonding strength between the copper matrix and graphite. Specifically, Cu-graphite-Ti3AlC2 (Cu-coated) composites displayed a relative density of 92%, a hardness of 94.2 HV, a friction coefficient of 0.175, and a wear rate of 1.28 × 10−6 mm3/N·m.