Dry sliding wear properties of high volume fraction SiCp/Cu composites produced by pressureless infiltration

The dry sliding wear behaviour of high volume fraction (61%) SiCp/Cu composite produced by pressureless infiltration was studied with a pin-on-disc system. The wear tests were carried out under an applied load from 50 N to 200 N and sliding speed of 1.3 m/s and 2.6 m/s. The results indicate that the volume loss increases with applied load, sliding speed and sliding distance. The wear resistance of the composites containing larger reinforcement is higher than those of the composites with smaller particles due to the enlargement of the mean free path between particles. The main wear mechanisms are abrasive wear and oxidative wear. The mechanically mixed layer (MML) controls greatly the wear rate and friction coefficient of the composites. The composites tested at high sliding speed exhibit high value of friction coefficient and intense fluctuation, which is associated with the intermittent formation and removal of the MML. High reinforcement content, small size ratio of abrasive size to reinforcement size and strong interfacial bond are all contribute to the excellent wear resistance of SiCp/Cu composites.