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Novel Design of Copper–Graphite Self-Lubricating Composites for Reliability Improvement Based on 3D Network Structures of Copper Matrix

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Abstract

This paper proposes a new strategy to design the copper–graphite self-lubricating composites (CGSCs) for dynamic sealing applications. The relationships among structural parameters, mechanical and tribological properties of CGSCs were investigated. Results showed that the composites with a 3D network structure presented superior comprehensive mechanical performance; the bending strength, fracture toughness and impact toughness can reach 352 MPa, 9.6 MPa m1/2 and 9.2 J cm−2, respectively, which are 1.4, 1.7 and 5.8 higher than conventional Cu663–graphite composite. This new strategy was based on a combination of the large plastic deformation of the copper 3D network, and considerable crack deflection includes by spherical graphite particles in fracture. Meanwhile, this novel design shows the perfect combination of the mechanical reliability and self-lubricated ability. The 3D-CGSCs exhibit more excellent tribological properties when sliding against AISI 52100 bearing steel under dry condition at room temperature. The friction coefficient and wear rate are stable and with low value under a wide range of loads and reciprocating frequencies, and it possesses good anti-friction capability over a long sliding distance (3 km).

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Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (51775534) and the Youth Innovation Promotion Association CAS (2013272). Thanks are also due to Hengzhong Fan (State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China) for the assistance during friction testing and the improvement in mechanism diagram.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, 730000, China

    Xiaofang Jiang, Junjie Song, Yunfeng Su, Yongsheng Zhang & Litian Hu

  2. University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China

    Xiaofang Jiang

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  1. Xiaofang Jiang
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Correspondence to Junjie Song or Yongsheng Zhang.

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Jiang, X., Song, J., Su, Y. et al. Novel Design of Copper–Graphite Self-Lubricating Composites for Reliability Improvement Based on 3D Network Structures of Copper Matrix. Tribol Lett 66, 143 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11249-018-1098-7

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