An investigation of the sliding wear behavior of Cu-matrix composite reinforced by carbon nanotubes

The friction and wear behavior of Cu-matrix composite reinforced by carbon nanotubes (Nanotube/Cu composite) were investigated. By scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), the worn surfaces and the worn chips were analyzed. The volume fraction of nanotubes is a main factor for the decrease of the wear rate of The Nanotube/Cu composite, which is associated with carbon nanotubes forming a protective oxide film on the sliding surface of the specimen. The optimum nanotubes content is 12–15%. Both the coefficients of friction and weight loss of the Nanotube/Cu composite are lower than those for Cu-matrix composite reinforced by carbon fiber (CF/Cu) owing to the much high intensity of nanotube.