Effect of submicron SiC particle on friction and wear properties of copper matrix composites under oil-lubricated condition

Submicron SiCp/Cu composite was fabricated by means of powder metallurgy route followed by hot extrusion, and then its morphology and mechanical properties were investigated. The results showed that densification of the composite was achieved by this fabricating process when the content of submicron SiC particle was below 5 vol.%. Furthermore, the friction and wear properties of all the submicron SiCp/Cu samples were carefully investigated with lubricant of 20# machinery oil. It was found that 5 vol.% SiCp/Cu samples exhibit excellent wear properties. This phenomenon can be explained by the following fact that a new kind of tribolayer is formed, in which submicron SiC particles are well dispersed during the wear test. In addition, the wear mechanism under lubricated condition was also discussed.