Effect of graphite content on friction and wear properties of copper-based friction materials

Copper-based friction materials with graphite in the different mass fraction were prepared by powder metallurgy sintering technology. The effects of graphite content on the microstructure, wear properties, and wear mechanism of the friction materials were studied. The results show that, with the increase of graphite content, the copper matrix continuity decreases, the dynamic friction coefficient increases first and then decreases, and the abrasion loss decreases. The wear mechanism of the friction material is plough-type abrasive wear. When the graphite mass fraction is 16%, the dynamic friction coefficient and the static friction coefficient are the highest and stable, showing the best friction and wear properties.