The Role of Nano-SiC on Microstructure and Tribo-logical Properties of SiC/Cu Nano-Composite

The present study has investigated the role of nano-SiC on microstructure and tribological properties of SiC/Cu nano-composite. The nano-composite powders have been cold compacted under a constant pressure of 480 MPa and sintered at 8600 C under argon gas for 2 h. SEM-EDS and XRD diffraction were performed for microstructure examinations. Pin-on-disk experiments were carried out under wet conditions (3.5 wt. % NaCl solution). All samples have been investigated against abrasives of different sizes (from 7, 13, 20 and 26 µm), at different applied loads (10, 15, 20 and 25 N), and sliding speed (0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0 m/s). The results revealed that the grain structure of the copper matrix was reduced with increasing SiC nano-particles. Furthermore, it was found that the wet wear resistance was improved as a function of nano-SiC content.