Vitreous carbon matrix for low wear carbon/metal current collectors

Friction, wear, and resistivity are reported for composite specimens made of copper fibres in a vitreous or glassy carbon matrix. The resistivity and friction are shown to be comparable to reported values for typical copper graphite specimens, and the wear is shown to be exceptionally low. Although the vitreous carbon is hard, it does not appear to act as abrasive on a soft material made by forming such composites from powder, or by pressure infusion of the metal into a graphitic body. Qualitative observations in handling the material indicate that it is tough, which is attributed to the energy absorption by the metal fibres.<>