Microstructure and Tribological Properties of Cu Modified C/C-SiC Composites

Cu modified C/C-SiC composites are fabricated by reaction melt infiltration with needle-punched carbon felt as preforms. The braking tests are carried out on an MM-1000 tester to investigate tribological properties of the composites. The results show that the Cu modified C/C-SiC composites have better wear-resistance and antifriction effects compared with that of C/C-SiC composites, especially at low speed. Under 1500r/min braking speed, the friction coefficient, linear wear rate of material and couple parts are 0.306, 0.036 and 0.048 μm/(side·cycle), respectively. With the braking speed increases from 1 500~6 500 r/min, the friction coefficient decreases to 0.24, while the linear wear rate of the composites and couple parts increases to 1.87 and 1.68 μm/(side·cycle), respectively. At 1 500 r/min braking speed, the main wear mechanism is abrasion. At braking speeds of 3 000~4 500 r/min, the wear mechanism is abrasive wear and adhesive wear. At speeds of 4 500~6 500 r/min, delamination wear and oxidation wear are the main wear mechanism.