Dry sliding friction behavior of copper-matrix composites by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis

This paper presents a simple approach to preparing copper-matrix composites (CMCs) by using self-propagating high-temperature synthesis technique. The dry sliding friction behavior of CMCs was systematically investigated. Results showed that the strengthening layer presented a compact metallurgical joint to copper substrate without a distinct boundary. The running-in period for copper substrate at any load was approximately 125s but decreased to less than 30s for CMCs. Increasing the applied load resulted in shorter running-in periods. The average friction coefficients for pure copper substrate and CMCs presented slight variation at the steady state, with minor enhancement in CMCs. The wear loss rates of the two different sections in CMCs rapidly increased with increased load, and the wear loss rate of CMCs was always lower than that of pure copper substrate at any load. Typical adhesion wear character was observed according to the wear scar of pure copper substrate; the wear mechanism of CMCs was dominated by abrasive wear, accompanied by oxidized wear with increased applied load.