Anti-friction properties of Cu10Sn-based composite containing nanometer diamond particles

Cu10Sn-based composite containing nanometer diamond was prepared for invest igating the effect of nanometer diamond on reducing friction of the composi te. A good distribution of nanometer diamond in the matrix of Cu10Sn was ob tained by a special process. The friction test was carried out with a harde ned AISI 52100 steel ring rotating against block-shaped samples. The result s showed that the composite has a higher hardness and a lower bend strength compared with the reference Cu10Sn alloy. Under a normal pressure of 4.0 M Pa and a range of sliding speed from 0.26 to 1.56 m/s, the friction coeffic ient of the composite is almost constant and much lower than that of Cu10Sn . Based on the observations of worn surfaces and the morphology of wear deb ris, it is indicated that the motion mode of quasi-spherical wear debris co ntaining nanometer diamond is the main factor for the reduction of friction coefficient. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.