Abrasive wear behavior of TiB2 particle-reinforced copper matrix composites

Pure copper and its composites reinforced with TiB2 particles were prepared by a hot isostatic pressing process. The two-body abrasive wear behavior of these specimens was investigated using pin-on-disk method where the sample slid against a SiC abrasive of 240-grit size. Pure copper exhibits a high abrasive wear loss because of its softness. The addition of only 5 vol.% TiB2 particle to copper leads to a dramatic improvement in its wear resistance. The wear resistance increases by further increasing volume fraction of reinforcing particles that resist the microcutting action of SiC abrasives.