Effect of Ti 3 SiC 2 and SiC on Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Copper Matrix Composites With Different Content

Abstract

To investigate the synergistic regulation of mechanical and tribological properties of Cu–Fe–Ni matrix composites by varying Ti 3 SiC 2 and SiC contents, a series of samples with a total reinforcement content of 20 wt% were designed in this study. Copper‑plated graphite and MoS 2 were employed as the lubricating system, and the composites were fabricated via mechanical ball milling followed by spark plasma sintering (SPS). Systematically evaluated the compactness, compressive strength of the samples under different ratios, as well as the wear performance under different rotational speeds. The results demonstrate that the synergistic addition of Ti 3 SiC 2 and SiC optimizes powder mixing uniformity and interfacial bonding, suppresses particle agglomeration, and refines the grain structure. Mechanically, this combination significantly enhances strength and hardness while avoiding embrittlement. Tribologically, it reduces local stress concentration and reinforcement detachment, and improves the plastic deformation resistance of the matrix. Ti 3 SiC 2 primarily contributes to compactness and toughness, whereas SiC mainly increases hardness. The Ti 3 SiC 2 /SiC ratio governs the overall performance through a balance of “compactness‐hard point‐lubrication,” providing a critical guideline for compositional design in oil‑free lubrication applications.