Enhancement mechanism of carbon fiber on the current-carrying tribological properties of Cf-Al2O3/Cu composites

Cf-Al2O3/Cu composites were fabricated by powder metallurgy combined with internal oxidation. The microstructure, electrical contact properties and tribological properties of the fabricated composites were characterized. The results showed that the addition of an appropriate amount of carbon fibers improved the tribological properties of Al2O3/Cu composites. The friction coefficient of the composites is lower (0.182) and the specific wear rate decreased by 64.2% in comparison with Al2O3/Cu composites. The reduction of arc erosion reduced the roughness of the friction surface of the composite and improved the stability of the friction system. And the improvement of friction stability, in turn, avoided the formation of bumps and pits on the friction surface and prevented concentrated arc erosion at the bumps.