Microstructural, tribological and compression behaviour of copper matrix reinforced with Graphite-SiC hybrid composites

Abstract Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) are generating a wide and varied range of interest in the recently developed materials because of their high applicability in the industries. Copper matrix composites have rich properties like high thermal conductivity, high temperature resistance, high corrosion resistance and high weldability which makes them promising and demanding material for heat exchangers, automobile and electrical components. Graphite and Silicon Carbide are the most economical reinforcements to improve the wear characteristics of pure copper economically. Present study concentrates on preparation of Copper-Graphite-Silicon Carbide hybrid metal matrix composite by stir casting emphatically. Compressive strength of composites was tested using Universal testing machine and microstructure was studied using SEM analysis and optical microscopy. XRD analysis of composites shows that there is no intermediate reaction occurring between copper and reinforcement particles. Micrographs of copper matrix composites revealed the uniform distribution of reinforcement particles in copper matrix. A good interfacial bonding between Graphite-Silicon Carbide and Copper was found. Hardness of composites is tested by Vickers hardness tester and it is found that hardness of composites decreases with increase in graphite content. Wear tests were performed on Pin-on-Disc test rig. It is found that wear rate is decreasing with increase in reinforcement content. The maximum wear rate is found at 10 wt% reinforcement content. Compressive strength of composites decreases with increase in graphite content. It is spontaneously expected that recent composite is highly beneficial in wear resistant applications.