SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF METALLURGY, cilt.30, sa.2, ss.77-83, 2001 (SCI-Expanded)
Metal matrix composites, prepared by pressure infiltration casting of copper base alloy into 2 types of microporous carbon preforms, one with 100% amorphous carbon and the other containing 40 wt pct. graphite and 60 wt pct. amorphous carbon, have been examined for their wear and friction behavior under ambient conditions using a pin-on-plate reciprocating wear tester. Micro-structural characterization of tribe-surfaces has been carried out. The thin carbon films formed on the tribe-surface reduced the friction coefficient and wear for the composites, especially at low loads on the pin. Adhesive wear observed on the tribe-surface promoted wear and friction at high loads. The wear and friction were observed to be very sensitive to the size and distribution of the microstructural constituents.