Friction and Wear Properties of Copper/Carbon/RB Ceramics Composite Materials under Dry Condition

Abstract

In order to realize reducing wear of both overhead wires and pantograph sliders, the authors have developed new composite materials for pantograph sliders by using hard porous carbon materials “RB ceramics”. The new composite materials were developed by sintering compounds of copper, carbon and the RB ceramics particles. Friction and wear properties of these copper/carbon/RB ceramics composite materials (Cu/C/RBC composites) sliding against a copper alloy pin under dry condition were investigated. The friction coefficient for the Cu/C/RBC composites was lower and more stable than that for the conventional pantograph slider material, Cu/C composite. The friction coefficient for the Cu/C/RBC composites was about 1/2 ∼ 3/5 of that for the Cu/C composite. The specific wear rate of the Cu/C/RBC composites was extremely lower than that of the Cu/C composite. The specific wear rate of the Cu/C/RBC composites was decreased with a decrease of the weight fraction and the mean particle size of the RB ceramics particles. The specific wear rate of the Cu/C/RBC composites was about 1/220 ∼ 1/70 of that of the conventional Cu/C composite. Furthermore, the specific wear rate of a copper alloy pin sliding against the Cu/C/RBC composites is about 1/1700 ∼ 1/150 of that sliding against the conventional Cu/C composite.