Investigation on tribological characteristics of self lubricated copper hybrid composites by solid state Blending technique

Abstract

Improved strength with enriched anti-friction and anti-wear characteristics are demanded for industrial applications such as electrical sliding contacts, bearings and bushes. Solid state mixing technique (Powder metallurgy-P/M) is one of the best metal working processes which produce the near net or net-shaped components. The current exploration plans to ascertain the dry sliding tribological performance of copper-based graphite newline(Gr) and silicon carbide (SiC) particle strengthened conventional and microwave sintered composites manufactured by a solid state blending technique In this experimental study, Cu-5wt. % Gr-X wt. % SiC (X= 0,5,10 and 15) metal matrix hybrid composites were successfully fabricated using the Conventional Sintering (CS) process. The consequence of reinforcement on the microstructure, density, relative density, porosity, micro hardness, wear resistance and coefficient of friction of Cu based hybrid composites were newlineexamined at a constant sintering temperature of 820°c. The tribological test with an investigation plan of six applied loads (L=10-60 N), six sliding distances (D=500-3000 m), and five sliding speeds (V=0.5-2.5 m/s) were performed to record the loss in mass due to dry sliding wear at room temperature using a pin on disc apparatus newline newline