Tribological Properties of Cu-matrix/graphite Coated with Nickel Self-lubricating Composites

Cu-matrix/graphite composite materials were prepared by repressing and resintering process of powder metallurgy. Wear and friction property of Cu-matrix/graphite composites were investigated under different loads. The results show that the wear process of Copper matrix composites with 6% wt graphite had three typical stages, i. e. , slight wear stage, medium wear stage and severe wear stage under the load between 20 N and 60 N. When the graphite particles were coated with nickel, the interfacial combination between graphite and Cu-matrix was improved, and the lubricating transfer films formed during the wear process, so they exhibited better anti-adhesion performance with Cu-matrix. The self lubricating properties of Cu-matrix composites containing 6% wt graphite coated with nickel were increased, and the wear process of the composite had only two typical stages, namely slight wear stage and medium wear stage.