Microstructural and sliding wear behavior of SiC-particle reinforced copper matrix composites fabricated by sintering and sinter-forging processes

Cu and Cu/SiCp composite compacts were prepared through sintering and sinter-forging processes. Influence of SiC particles and fabrication type on the tribological behavior of pure Cu and Cu/SiCp composites was investigated. Dry sliding wear tests represented that the sinter-forged Cu composite compacts with 60 vol.% SiC exhibit the lowest wear loss compared to other compacts. Moreover, the results indicated that applying compressive force during sintering process of Cu and Cu/SiCp compacts has a significant effect on reducing and eliminating porosities and achieving to higher bulk density. Therefore, wear loss of the Cu and Cu/SiCp compacts produced through sinter-forging process was improved significantly compared to conventionally sintered Cu and Cu/SiCp composite compacts.