Tribological properties of Cu based composite materials strengthened with Al2O3 particles

Abstract

In the present work copper was strenghtened with 20 and 30 vol. % of alumina particles characterized by diameter of 3-6μm. The copperbased composite materials were manufactured by the squeeze casting method. Preheated preforms made from Al2O3 particles were placedin the desired place in the heated cast die and the squeeze casting process with liquid copper was performed applying the infiltrationpressure of 90MPa and pressure was kept for 10-15s until solidification was complete. The microstructure and physical properties: Brinell hardness (HBW) and density were characterized. Metallografic examinations showed that alumina particles were uniformly distributed in the copper matrix. Hardness of 208 HBW for composite materials containing 30 vol.% of particles was achieved. Wear investigations were performed applying the tribological pin-on-disc tester. Friction forces between copper based composite materials containing 20 and 30 vol. % of Al2O3 particles and cast iron were registered and wear was determined on the base of the specimen mass loss after 1.0, 3.5 and 8.5 km friction distance