Friction and Wear Properties of Carbon Nanotubes Reinforced Copper Matrix Composites with and without electric current

Carbon nanotubes reinforced copper matrix composites (CNT/Cu) containing 0%, 5%, 10%, 12%, and 15%(v/v) CNTs were prepared by powder metallurgy. Friction and wear properties of the composites with and without electrical current were investigated on a HST100 pin-on-disk friction and wear tester. The results showed that the friction coefficient and wear rate of composites with electrical current were higher than that without electric current, and the surface were worn severely. The friction coefficient and wear rate of the composites decreased with increasing the carbon nanotube content and the dominant wear mechanisms were electrical erosion and abrasive wear separately. The CNTs can improve the friction and wear properties of the composites with electric current.