Purpose
This paper aims to clarify the size and morphology of transition metal dichalcogenides has an impact on lubrication performance of Cu-based composites. This study is intended to show that Cu-based electrical contact materials containing Nb0.91Ti0.09Se2 have better electrical and tribological properties than those containing NbSe2. The tribological properties of Cu-based with different Ti-dopped NbSe2 content were also discussed.
Design/methodology/approach
The NbSe2 and Nb0.91Ti0.09Se2 particles were fabricated by thermal solid state reaction method. The powder metallurgy technique was used to fabricate composites with varying Nb0.91Ti0.09Se2 mass fraction. The phase composition of Cu-based composites was identified by X-ray diffraction, and the morphology of NbSe2/Nb0.91Ti0.09Se2 and the worn surface of composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. In addition, the tribological properties of composites were appraised using a ball-on-disk multi-functional tribometer. The data of friction coefficient and resistivity were analyzed and the corresponding conclusion was drawn.
Findings
In comparison with the pure copper, Cu-based composites containing Nb0.91Ti0.09Se2/NbSe2 had a lower friction coefficient, illustrating the Nb0.91Ti0.09Se2 with nano-size particles prepared in this work is a perfect choice for the fabrication of excellent electrical contact composites. Compared to composites with NbSe2, composites containing Nb0.91Ti0.09Se2 have better tribological and electrical properties.
Research limitations/implications
Because of the use of thermal solid state reaction method, the size of NbSe2 and Nb0.91Ti0.09Se2 is relatively large. Therefore, the fabrication of finer particles of Nb0.91Ti0.09Se2 is encouraged.
Originality/value
In this paper, the authors discuss the tribological and electrical properties of Cu-based composites, and the value of optimum obtained as Nb0.91Ti0.09Se2 content is 15 Wt.%.