Tribological Behavior of a Novel C/C-Cu Sliding Electrical Contact Material

C/C-Cu composites were fabricated by infiltrating molten Cu alloy into C/C preforms. The tribological behavior of the composite block against Cu ring was evaluated using an MM-2000 friction and wear tester. The influences of externally applied electrical factors on tribological behavior of the composite were investigated,and their interacting mechanism was analyzed. The results showed that the direction of current determined the existence or non-existence of wear debris layer,and had much impact on friction coefficient. The friction coefficient and wear rate of the composite under positive direction were higher than that under negative direction. Current intensity had a significant influence on wear rate of the composite. With increasing current intensity,the wear rate increased and wear mechanism changed from ploughing wear to adhesive wear. The friction coefficient increased firstly and then dropped with the rising current intensity.