Study on the Tribological Characteristics of Carbon Fiber-Copper Matrix Composite

Under the different sliding speed (0.22-0.47m/s) and load (20-70N) conditions, the tribological properties of carbon fiber-copper matrix composite against steel were studied. The results are as follows: a. When the direction of sliding is vertical with that of carbon fiber, a thicker and well-distributed carbon film is formed fast, and thus the friction coefficient and specific wear rate is lower, as the sliding speed is high the friction coefficient increases due to that the carbon film is destroyed easily; when the sliding direction is parallel with that of carbon fiber, both of friction coefficient and specific wear rate increases due to that the well-distributed carbon film is not formed easily, but small changes present in the friction coefficient range with sliding speed. b. The friction coefficient is corresponding to the degree of wear. The wear is in the normal state when the friction coefficient is low and stable. As the friction coefficient increases repidly the severe wear is happened. In order to avoid severe wear of carbon fiber-copper matrix composites, a suitable PV value must be selected. c. When the carbon fiber is well-distributed in copper matrix, amount of carbon can be added to carbon film so as to keep the stabilizing of this film, and thus to keep the stability of friction coefficient and specific wear rate.