Effects of Titanium Nitride Particles on Copper Matrix-Graphite Composite Properties

In this paper, a new type of copper (Cu) matrix graphite composite was successfully prepared, which was reinforced with titanium nitride particles (TNPs) using powder metallurgy. These composites contained 2 wt % graphite as the lubricating phase and 1, 3, 5, 10, and 15 wt % TNPs as the reinforcing phase. The effects of different TNP contents on composite properties and the composites' wear mechanism were examined. The samples were characterized by microstructure, density, porosity, hardness, compressive yield strength, and friction wear testing. The results showed that, with TNP addition, the hardness, compressive strength, and friction and wear properties of the composites were improved. When the TNP content was >3 wt %, composite porosity gradually increased and the hardness, compressive strength, and friction and wear properties of the composites sharply decreased. With TNP addition, the main composite wear modes gradually changed from adhesive and abrasive wear to abrasive wear.