Microstructures and properties of Cu/50 vol% MoS2 composites prepared with Cu-coated MoS2 powders and sintered at different temperatures

Abstract

Constitution and distribution of phases and interphase reactions are crucial for properties of composites. So far, the problem of MoS2 agglomeration remains unsolved in Cu/MoS2 composites, and interfacial structures and reaction products between MoS2 and Cu have not been fully considered. Herein, Cu-coated MoS2 powders prepared via electroless plating were sintered at different temperatures into Cu/MoS2 composites. Cu does not react with MoS2 in the composites sintered at 600 ℃ and 650 ℃, leading to their desirable tribological properties under dry sliding. Reactions between Cu and MoS2 occur in the composites sintered at 700 ℃ and 800 ℃, and the resultant products include Cu2S, Cu1.8Mo6S8 and Cu1.83Mo3S4 phases, resulting in a better wear resistance under oil lubrication and mechanical properties.