Wear and corrosion behaviors of SiC_p reinforced copper matrix composite formed by hot pressing

Wear and corrosion behaviors of SiC_p reinforced copper matrix composite formed by hot pressing were studied. The results show that the tensile strength, hardness and material porosity increased with the increase of SiC_p content. The wear rate of Cu/SiC_p composites decreased with the increase of SiC_p content, applied load and high sliding velocity (exceeds 300 rpm). In contrast the wear rate of Cu/SiC_p composites increased with low sliding velocity (100 rpm to 300 rpm). A dramatic wear rate of Cu/SiC_p composite is observed at the initial wear stage (0-400 m). However, when sliding distance exceeds 800 m, the wear behavior becomes more stable. In addition, the corrosion resistance of Cu/SiC_p composite in 5% NaCl solution increases with increasing pH value, but decreases with increasing SiC_p content. Pits always initiate at the interfacial boundary between SiC_p and copper, which makes SiC_p particles peeling and copper matrix pitting deeply.