Microstructural, mechanical and tribological analysis of functionally graded copper composite

ABSTRACT Functionally graded Cu-10Sn-5Ni/10B4C composite was fabricated using horizontal centrifugal casting. Microstructural and mechanical properties were superior at reinforcement-rich inner zone where wear tests were conducted based on response surface methodology five-level run order, using pin on disc tribometer. Results showed that wear rate increases linearly with increase in load and sliding velocity whereas with increased sliding distance, it increases non-linearly with reduced slope. Minimum wear is observed at optimum combination of load (10 N), velocity (1 m/s) and sliding distance (500 m). Worn surfaces were analysed using scanning electron microscope to determine the wear mechanisms. Results concluded applied load as the major influential parameter over wear rate leading to occurrence of deep grooves along with delamination at higher loads and shallow grooves along the sliding direction at lower loads. Fabricated composite proves the ability to replace conventional materials for automotive sliding applications, providing improved wear characteristics at dry sliding conditions.