Development of Hybrid Copper–SiC–Graphite Composites: A Taguchi-Based Experimental Investigation

Copper is a tough and highly ductile metal with wide applications. To enhance the properties to higher levels reinforcing the metal copper is carried out. In the present work, copper reinforced with silicon carbide and graphite material is characterized for tribological properties. Powdered silicon carbide and graphite with a particle size of 20 µm were incorporated into a copper matrix to produce composite specimens containing 5%, 10% and 15% reinforcement, using the powder metallurgy technique. Following ASTM G99 standards, these composite samples underwent sliding wear tests utilizing a pin-on-disc tribo meter. The sliding wear experiments were conducted as per Taguchi L27 design of experiments. Applied weight, sliding speed, material composition, and sliding distance are considered variables on the wear resistance of the fabricated composites. It was found that the incorporation of silicon carbide and graphite metal powders as a reinforcement in the copper matrix enhances the tribological properties. As the applied weight increases, contact pressure between surfaces rises, potentially leading to more material deformation and increased wear. Addition of SiC and Graphite increases the hardness of the samples, harder materials generally resist abrasive wear. As the sliding speed increases there will be an increase in the surface temperature due to frictional heat, which may soften materials and increases wear and longer sliding distance lead to cumulative wear.