CHARACTERIZATION OF DIAMOND-DISPERSED CU-MATRIX COMPOSITE

Dispersion of diamond in metal matrices is expected to improve frictio n and wear properties. In this paper, cluster diamonds (average grain size: 5nm) are dispersed in pure copper matrix by a P/M method. A mech anical milling method is employed for the composite powder mixing. Fir st, the change in morphology after milling and sintering is observed b y SEM. Next, the influence of milling time and cluster diamond content on the friction coefficient and the specific wear rate of the composi te are examined, The friction coefficient measured by a ring-on-disk m ethod decreases with the increase in both milling time and diamond con tent. About 30% reduction of friction coefficient compared with the pu re copper is achieved for the composite (diamond content: 1 vol%) afte r a milling time of 40 hours. The specific wear rate also decreases wi th the milling time, However, the rate increases significantly as the diamond content increases. The experimental results show the possibili ty of a solid lublicant of diamond-dispersed metal matrix composites.