Effect of composition on friction coefficient of Cu–graphite composites

Cu–graphite composites were prepared by hot isostatic pressing from the copper and graphite powders in the range of 0–50 vol.% of graphite. The same graphite powder was copper coated and used for the preparation of coated composites with 30 and 50 vol.% of graphite. It was confirmed that with increasing concentration of graphite the coefficient of friction and wear rate of coated and uncoated composites at first decreases. When critical concentration threshold of graphite is reached the coefficient of friction of composites becomes independent on the composition while the wear rate decreases further. This threshold is not simply 20 vol.% of graphite as stated [P.K. Rohatgi, S. Ray, Y. Liu, Tribological properties of metal matrix graphite particle composites, Int. Mater. Rev. 37 (1992) 129–149.] for metal matrix composites, but it significantly depends on the composite structure: for uncoated composites, it is 12 vol.% of graphite for fine graphite powder (16 μm), while for coarse powder (25–40 μm, [S.F. Moustafa, S.A. El-Badry, A.M. Sanad, B. Kieback, Friction and wear of copper–graphite composites made with Cu-coated and uncoated graphite powders, Wear 253 (2002) 699–710.]) it is 23 vol.% of graphite. For coated composites the concentration threshold was found above 25 vol.% of graphite. The reason is that the increased number of fine copper debris within graphite rich tribolayer occurs homogeneously also at high graphite composition.