Tribological Properties of B4C Nano Particulates Reinforced Copper Matrix Nanocomposites

Pure copper (Cu) matrix composites reinforced with different weight percentages of Nano boroncarbide particles (B4C) were successfully produced through powder metallurgical route. Nano sized B4C particles with 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 weight % were mechanically mixed with Cu powder of size 125 in and then compacted at 248 bar pressure. SEM analysis revealed that the B4C nanoparticles were uniformly distributed in Cu matrix. Addition of 1.5 wt.% Nano B4C particles in Cu matrix, increases the Vickers micro hardness from 32 to 93. The wear measurements of pure Cu exhibited high wear loss than the Nano B4C mixed copper matrices. Nano composites reinforced with 1.5 wt.% of Nano B4C showed maximum wear resistance property. In general, increase of normal load and sliding velocity increases the wear rate. The worn surfaces of pure Cu show deep long grooves while Cu-Nano composites show narrow grooves. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.