Optimization of current-carrying friction and wear properties of copper-carbon composite materials based on damage

This study investigated the friction and wear properties and current-carrying properties of copper-graphite composites paired with brass C28000 on a self-made current-carrying friction test machine. The results indicate that the current-carrying properties of the copper-graphite gradient composite materials are excellent, the core factor limiting its service properties is its wear rate. With the increase in the thickness of the Cu-5 wt% graphite layer, the unevenness of the damage improves. The composite material with a Cu-5 wt% graphite layer thickness of 8/5 mm exhibits friction and current-carrying properties close to that of the composite material with a Cu-5 wt% graphite layer thickness of 4 mm. It has a higher electrical conductivity by approximately 20 % and a higher hardness.

Automated summary

This study investigated the friction, wear properties, and current-carrying properties of copper-graphite composites paired with brass C28000. The results showed that the current-carrying properties of the composite materials were excellent, but their wear rate was the main limiting factor. Furthermore, an increase in the thickness of the graphite layer led to an improvement in the uniformity of damage.