Correlating topographical characteristics of relaxed layer to tribology in Cu-Gr-TiC composite system

Abstract

The copper graphite composites are often being applied as bearing materials in various industries. In present investigation, the correlation between the topographical characteristics of relaxed layer to tribology in Cu-Gr-TiC composite system has been investigated. For this purpose, the flake powder metallurgy approach was used to fabricate Cu-Gr-TiC composites and the tribology of these composites was studied under lubricating (synthetic SAE20W40 motor oil) condition. Variable loads of 10 N-70 N, sliding velocities were 0.75 m/s-3 m/s, and sliding distances of 2000 m-8000 m were the test parameters for sliding wear of composites under lubricating conditions. The worn surfaces were examined using SEM and EDS while topographical parameters were studied by AFM. The other properties like mechanical and physical properties were also studied for the sintered samples to better correlate the overall results of surface topography and tribology. The tests depict the successful fabrication of the composites. The composite having 4.5wt.% TiC particles exhibit maximum hardness and least wear and CoF under lubricating environment. The results of a sliding wear test conducted under lubrications revealed that rise in the concentration of nano TiC particles in the matrix improves the composite's tribological performance. The mechanism of wear for pure copper sample is abrasion whereas for TiC particle reinforced composite is smooth ploughing and delamination. The surface topographical parameters that are average surface roughness, area peak to valley height and skewness depicted less roughness values and better load bearing capacity for 4.5wt% TiC reinforced Cu-Gr sample.

Prediction of tribological performance of Cu-Gr-TiC composites based on response surface methodology and worn surface analysis

“…However, for the T4.5 composite (figure 3(b)) there is a rise in the Ti and C elemental dots suggesting an increase in content of TiC particles. The details from T4.5 composite mapping showed some agglomeration of particles at random places [19]. It is also observed that the clustering of graphite particles is reduced owing to hardening property of titanium carbide particles.…”

“…Kumar and Devaraju [14] used response surface methodology to optimise hardness, ultimate tensile strength, density, porosity, and specific wear rate for the CRS/SiC reinforced aluminium composites. Singh et al [19] used RSM to examine how wear parameters affected wear and friction behaviour of B 4 C and SiC reinforced AA6082-T6 composites.…”

Wear and friction behaviour of Cu-Gr-B4C composites and correlating to the topographical characteristics

“…A material's hardness and strength can be increased by adding hard particles, primarily ceramic ones, to the matrix. Adding ceramic hard particles to composite materials allows makeup for a lack of strength and hardness [25]. To resolve this concern, a hybrid composite that combines solid lubricants like graphite with ceramic reinforcement can enhance the mechanical and wear properties [26].…”

Research on self-healing characteristic and state prediction method of the copper based powder metallurgy materials on friction interface

“…Lu et al and Monkova et al investigated the effects of extreme braking conditions and different combination parameters on the performance of powder metallurgy friction materials, respectively [7,8]. Ankit et al studied the friction characteristics of Cu-Gr-TiC composites prepared by the flake powder metallurgical method [9]. Hussain et al studied the wear behavior of the aluminum hybrid composites developed through powder metallurgy [10].…”