Preparation of Cf/Cu–C contact strip and wear behaviour under electric current

A novel carbon and copper fibre knitted fabric (Cf/Cu) reinforced contact strip (Cf/Cu–C) was fabricated by pyrolytic carbon deposition and resin impregnation–carbonisation process. The interface characteristics of the composite were characterised by a scanning electron microscope and a metallographic microscope; resistivity, mechanical strength and wear properties with electric current were also investigated. The results indicated that the Cf/Cu–C material with density of 1.73 g cm− 3 combined quite well between phase contacting areas for each interface. With resistivity of 10.16 μΩ m and bending strength of 123 MPa, the as prepared composite outperformed the present AR129 carbon contact strip (density, 1.70 g cm− 3, resistivity, 33 μΩ m; bending strength, 40 MPa). The wear mechanisms of Cf/Cu–C with electric current were proved to be slightly arc erosion and abrasive wear.