Improving the friction and wear behavior of Ti 3 AlC 2 -Al 2 O 3 reinforced Cu-graphite composites by the design of reactive interface

Abstract

Cu-graphite composites have been demonstrated to possess considerable potential as electrical contact materials. However, their tribological performance is constrained due to the weak bonding at the Cu-graphite interface. The addition of Ti₃AlC₂ to the Cu-graphite system was undertaken in this study. The investigation of microstructure, phase composition, and tribological performance of the composites were conducted. The results revealed that Ti atoms decomposed from Ti₃AlC₂ promoted the formation of TiC bonding at the Cu-graphite interface. Additionally, Al atoms dissolved from Ti₃AlC₂ and in situ reacted with the Cu oxide, resulting in the dispersed distribution of Al₂O₃ particles in the Cu matrix. The friction coefficient and wear rate of the composites are 0.14 and 6.84 × 10⁻⁶ mm³/N·m, respectively.