Abrasive wear behavior of TiB2 particle-reinforced copper matrix composites

Pure copper and its composites reinforced with TiB₂ particles were prepared by a hot isostatic pressing process. The two-body abrasive wear behavior of these specimens was investigated using pin-on-disk method where the sample slid against a SiC abrasive of 240-grit size. Pure copper exhibits a high abrasive wear loss because of its softness. The addition of only 5 vol.% TiB₂ particle to copper leads to a dramatic improvement in its wear resistance. The wear resistance increases by further increasing volume fraction of reinforcing particles that resist the microcutting action of SiC abrasives. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.