Investigating the effect of load on tribological behaviour of Cu composite reinforced with Ti2SnC particles

Purpose This paper aims to study the effect of load on the tribological behaviour of Cu-based composites, so as to obtain a suitable applied load on these composites. Design/methodology/approach Cu-based composites were prepared by powder sintering with direct current electric current heating and tested by Universal Mechanical Test-3 with a ball-on-disk at room temperature. Findings The results showed that Cu-based composites are might suitable for working under low load. There is only mild damage on the surface under a load of 2 N. While it has microcracks and shows signs of cavitation at a certain depth at 20 N and 50 N. In addition, it is evident that there are three zones in the cross-section of the matrix, namely, a mechanical mixing layer, ceramic layer and substrate, respectively. Originality/value There are two wear mechanisms at different loads, and the evolution of worn surfaces with sliding time is also involved. Thus, the developed material can be used for light load sliding electrical contact material applications.

Wear behaviour of metals in dry sliding against molybdenum with current collection

The possibility of high electrical conductivity of dry sliding electrical contact against molybdenum counterbody was studied. It was found that metals W and Cu were not able to form a sliding electrical contact with high wear resistance at current density higher 100 A/cm2 . The characteristics of the contacts of iron containing metals were slightly better than the contact characteristics of non-ferrous metals due to weaker adhesion. Using X-ray phase analysis, it was shown the absence of oxides in the sliding zone of non-ferrous metals. This led to their strong wear and contact’s low electrical conductivity. In the contact zone of iron containing samples the formation of FeO was observed that made it possible to reduce wear. This means that high electrical conductivity is unattainable in sliding with current collection against molybdenum.

Achieving a superlubricating ohmic sliding electrical contact via a 2D heterointerface: a computational investigation

The van der Waals heterojunction with superlubricity and high electron transport efficiency is proposed as the new generation of sliding electrical contact.

Interaction of tungsten in dry sliding against steel under high density electric current

The possibility of creating a wear-resistant dry sliding electrical contact tungsten/steel was studied. It was shown that tungsten caused severe wear of the quenched steel counterbody due to unlimited plastic flow of its surface layer at a current density up to 150 A/cm2 . This indicated the impossibility of achieving satisfactory characteristics of such a contact. Low electrical conductivity and wear resistance of the contact tungsten/steel were presented in comparison with the known high copper/steel contact characteristics under the same conditions. X-ray phase analysis data of the steel sliding surfaces made it possible to state that the cause of the unsatisfactory sliding of tungsten was the absence of the necessary concentration of FeO oxide on the sliding surface of the steel.