Preparation of Cf/Cu-C contact strip and wear behaviour under electric current

A novel carbon and copper fibre knitted fabric (C-f/Cu) reinforced contact strip (C-f/Cu-C) was fabricated by pyrolytic carbon deposition and resin impregnation-carbonisation process. The interface characteristics of the composite were characterised by a scanning electron microscope and a metallographic microscope; resistivity, mechanical strength and wear properties with electric current were also investigated. The results indicated that the C-f/Cu-C material with density of 1.73gcm(-3) combined quite well between phase contacting areas for each interface. With resistivity of 10.16 mu Omega m and bending strength of 123MPa, the as prepared composite outperformed the present AR129 carbon contact strip (density, 1.70gcm(-3), resistivity, 33m; bending strength, 40MPa). The wear mechanisms of C-f/Cu-C with electric current were proved to be slightly arc erosion and abrasive wear.