Friction and Wear Properties of Aluminum Matrix Composites Reinforced by Coated Carbon Fibers

Abstract

Al-Cu alloy and its matrix composites reinforced with different volume fractions of short carbon fibers covered by copper have been produced by powder metallurgy method and heat treatment. The effects of the fiber volume fraction and load applied on the wear and friction behaviors of the composites were investigated. The results showed that the Cf/Al-Cu composites had better mechanical and tribological properties compared to Al-Cu alloy. The applied load did not obviously affect the wear resistance and friction coefficient.