Microscratch behavior of copper–graphite composites

Microscratch tests were carried out on Cu–graphite composites with graphite content of 0–30 vol% and normal loads of 0.5–2 N. Scratch grooves generated by the plastic deformation of surfaces were characterized for detailed friction and wear mechanisms investigation. The influence of normal load and graphite content on friction coefficient was also studied. It is found that the dominant wear mechanism transits from ploughing to micro-cutting with increasing the normal loads. A friction model for knowing the contribution of ploughing and adhesion components to friction is presented. This friction model is useful in understanding the friction mechanism of composites during scratching.