Laser synthesised TaC for improving copper tribological property

Abstract

To improve the wear resistance of copper through in situ synthesis of ceramic particulate reinforcement, laser surface modification on copper was performed using a powder mixture of Ni based alloy with (Ta₂O₅+C) doping. The microstructure, microhardness, wear resistance and bulk electrical conductivity of the integral material were investigated. The results indicated that the modified layer had a homogeneous fine microstructure containing TaC particles and Cr₃C₂ acicular phases dispersed uniformly in the matrix of γ (Ni,Fe) and (Cu,Ni,Fe) solid solutions. The modified layer exhibited higher hardness and better wear resistance than the Ni based alloy modified layer because of the presence and the uniform distribution of in situ synthesised TaC particles. However, the addition of TaC particles slightly decreased the electrical conductivity of the integral bulk.