Tribological Characterization of Reinforced Fe Matrix Composites with Hybrid Reinforcement of C, Cu, and SiC Particulates

This study sought to design and characterize the Fe, SiC, Cu, and C metal matrix composite (MMC) with optimum SiC content to obtain sufficiently good wear resistance performance. For this purpose, Fe, Cu, graphite, and BaSO4 (Fe-11Cu-6.5G-6BaSO(4)) with 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 wt.% SiC powders (in the range of 45-150 um) were milled for the fabrication of the composite. Then, sintering was performed by hot press at 1000 degrees C under 400 MPa in a controlled atmosphere furnace. Wear, and coefficient of friction (COF) were then carried out on the samples under 20 N and 700 rpm for 1000 m. SEM micrographs and EDS analysis were also utilized for the wear mechanism. According to the studies of worn surfaces, it was found that at the beginning of the sliding distance, the abrasion mechanism was predominant, and by increasing the sliding distance of plastic deformation, adhesive wear and oxidation were activated. It was concluded that the weight loss decreases less and has a constant and more appropriate COF due to an increase in SiC to an optimal value, i.e., 10%. In addition, wear resistance and hardness increase due to increased SiC. Therefore, due to the low wear rate and suitable coefficient of friction, composite Fe-11Cu-10SiC-6.5G-6BaSO(4) can be introduced as brake pad applications.

Automated summary

The study demonstrated that by increasing the SiC content to the optimal value of 10%, the composite material showed improved wear resistance and hardness, making it suitable for brake pad applications.