Development of Self-Lubricating Copper Metal Matrix Hybrid Composites Using Microwave Sintering and Its Characterizations
摘要
Copper is one of the highest uses of metal as electrical contact where a continuous relative motion occurs, which leads to its deterioration and stops functioning. Therefore, it requires good strength and sliding resistance during its mating. So, this work is primarily emphasized on the synthesis of new copper metal matrix hybrid composites using the advanced microwave sintering (MWS) technique, where hard zirconia (ZrO2) and soft molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), including chromium (Cr), were reinforced in the matrix of copper. There were three copper metal matrix hybrid composites developed by microwave sintering according to the different weight percentages (wt.%) of reinforcements and designated as MWS-HC-1, MWS-HC-2, and MWS-HC-3. The high-resolution scanning electron microscope (HRSEM), high-resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD), and energy-dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDAX), including the elemental color mapping, were utilized to characterize the synthesized copper-based hybrid composites. The electrical conductivity of synthesized hybrid composites was also investigated and revealed no significant loss in electrical conductivity of copper on the ceramic reinforcements. HRXRD, HRSEM, and EDAX, including elemental color mapping analysis, exposed the reinforcing particles’ presence and its fair distribution in the copper matrix with its superior interfacing. The experimental density of the synthesized hybrid composites was also evaluated and found that it was decreasing with increasing content of reinforcements. The wear test was performed for the developed hybrid composites using pin-on-disk arrangement under dry conditions. The friction coefficient and weight loss were decreasing as the reinforcement content increased. It is possible due to the self-lubricating action of the MoS2 reinforcements in the matrix.