Influence of the type of strengthening particles on the tribological and material properties of sintered copper matrix composites
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Kielce University of Technology
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This paper presents a comparison of the material and tribological properties of sintered copper matrix composites. Aluminum oxide and titanium were used as reinforcing particles. Commercial powders of copper, aluminum oxide and titanium were used to manufacturing the composites. Composites were tested on cylindrical samples with the content of strengthening particles 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10 % by weight. Before the sintering process, the powder mixtures were subjected to a single pressing using a hydraulic press at a compaction pressure of 624 MPa. The samples obtained after the pressing process were sintered in a tubular furnace with silite heating elements. The maximum sintering temperature was 900 °C. Dissociated ammonia was used as a protective atmosphere. The samples were heated for 60 minutes. After the sintering process was completed, the samples were slowly cooled at a rate of approximately 70°C/min. The produced sinters were subjected to material tests including measurements of hardness, density and electrical conductivity. Tribological tests were also carried out including measurements of the coefficient of friction and resistance to abrasive wear. Microstructural observations were performed using optical (OM) and scanning electron microscopes (SEM). After the tribological tests, the surface morphology was observed in the abrasion areas. The introduction of aluminum oxide and titanium particles significantly increased the hardness of the composites while reducing the density and electrical conductivity. The tribological tests showed that the introduction of aluminum oxide particles reduced the abrasive wear resistance, while the introduction of titanium particles significantly increased it. In addition, the introduction of aluminum oxide and titanium particles resulted in an increase in the coefficient of friction compared to the sample made of copper powder. The obtained results showed that the copper-titanium composite is characterized by high material and tribological properties, while maintaining relatively high electrical conductivity.