Effect of Cr particulate reinforcements in different ratios on wear performance and mechanical properties of Cu matrix composites

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different ratios Cr particle reinforcement on the hardness and wear resistance of Cu matrix composites produced by using (P/M) method. Cr particles were added at different weight ratios of 5, 10 and 15%, in pure Cu dust. The prepared mixtures were shaped under a pressure of 400 MPa. The shaped pieces were sintered at 900 °C for 30 min. The success of the sintering process was evaluated by examining the intensity and SEM images. Microscope studies were performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Hardness measurement method was used for determining hardness. In the SEM analysis, it was observed that the Cr phase was uniformly distributed in the Cu matrix composed of coaxial grains. In addition, an increase in the hardness was observed depending on the increase in the Cr ratio. The wear behaviors of the composite materials produced were investigated by pin-on-disk wear test. As the disk, a surface-hardened AISI 1050 steel was used. As a result of this examination, composite materials; depth of wear, losses in the weight, variation of friction coefficient, variation of wear diameters at 0.4 m/s shear rate and 1500 m shear distance were investigated by applying 50 N and 75 N loads. As a result of these investigations, it has been found that as the Cr particle reinforcement ratio in the Cu matrix composites increases, hardness and the wear resistance were increased positively.