Research on damage optimization of copper-carbon gradient composite materials for current-carrying friction

Abstract

To meet the demand for damage optimization of current-carrying friction materials and based on the uneven distribution characteristics of damage, copper-graphite gradient composite materials were prepared using spark plasma sintering technology. These materials were paired with H62 brass, conducting damage optimization studies on copper-graphite gradient composite materials using a self-made current-carrying friction test machine. The results indicate that the copper-graphite gradient composite materials possess excellent current-carrying performance. With an increase of graphite content, the degree of mechanical damage and arc damage on the worn surface is optimized. The friction coefficient and wear rate of the material significantly decrease. When the content of graphite in the material is 5 wt% − 10 wt%, The material's damage optimization reaches the best and the wear rate is 9.7 × 10−4 mg·m−1. At this point, the predominant form of damage to the material is plastic deformation.