Microstructure and dry sliding wear behavior of Cu-Sn alloy reinforced with multiwalled carbon nanotubes

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) reinforced Cu-Sn alloy based nanocomposite was developed by powder metallurgy route. The mass fraction of CNTs was varied from 0 to 2% in a step of 0.5%. The developed nanocomposites were subjected to density, hardness, electrical conductivity, and friction and wear tests. The results reveal that the density of nanocomposite decreases with the increase of the mass fraction of CNTs. A significant improvement in the hardness is noticed in the nanocomposite with the addition of CNTs. The developed nanocomposites show low coefficient of friction and improved wear resistance when compared with unreinforced alloy. At an applied load of 5 N, the coefficient of friction and wear loss of 2% CNTs reinforced Cu-Sn alloy nanocomposite decrease by 72% and 68%, respectively, compared with those of Cu-Sn alloy. The wear mechanisms of worn surfaces of the composites are reported. In addition, the electrical conductivity reduces with the increase of the content of CNTs.