Tribological properties of SiC/Cu composite at high temperature

SiC/Cu composites were prepared by hot pressing. The high temperature tribological properties of the composites were investigated. XRD, SEM techniques were carried out to characterize the samples. It is found that the friction coefficient of SiC/Cu composites increases with the increasing SiC content. The SiC reinforcement particles are worn down other than removed by pulling out during the wear test. Oxidation of Cu debris leads to the smooth contacting surface. Ring crack is formed under the cyclic wear test. The crack propagates through the damaged matrix and along the brittle interface between SiC particles and Cu matrix.