Tribological Properties of Copper Matrix Composite with Lattice Reinforcement

In order to effectively tune microstructure and properties of copper matrix composites, 18Ni300 lattices with different cell sizes of 5.00 mm, 3.75 mm, 2.75 mm, 1.75 mm, 0.75 mm were formed by selective laser melting. After being solidified with copper melt under pressure of squeeze casting process, the lattices combined with copper matrix and formed composites. The microstructure, hardness and wear morphology of samples were observed and analyzed, and wear tests of the composites were investigated by pin-on-disk procedure. The results indicate that the lattices performed a key role to improve the properties of the composites. The composite with lattice of 0.75 mm cell size showed the highest hardness and best wear resistance. The hardness reached HBW120 and was 1.71 times of the Cu matrix. The wear volume was 35.4 mm³ and was 58% lower than that of the Cu matrix. The wear mechanism of the composite was abrasive wear.