Abstract
Iron third body contribution to friction performance of copper-matrix friction composites was explored by adding prefabricated iron powder into the friction surface. Friction tests were carried out under a sliding speed (V) range of 1.57–23.55 m/s and contact pressures (P) of 0.25–0.51 MPa by a pin-on-disc tribometer. These showed that an iron third body increased the friction coefficient when P • V <2 75, and the average friction coefficient increment was 0.04 (7.29%). The reason was that iron third bodies played the role of abrasives, promoting an engaging force between the friction couple. When P • V > 275, the average friction coefficient decrement was 0.04 (8.59%). This was because of oxidation of the iron third body, such that a smooth and dense oxide film was formed on the surface, assisting in a friction coefficient reduction.
Graphical Abstract
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