Tribological Characterization of Cu-Ni Metal Matrix Composites Using MoS₂ Nano- lubricant

In this study, Cu-5wt.%Ni and Cu-10wt.%Ni two metal matrix of copper having 5%,10% of Ni, reinforced with divergent percentages of titanium carbide (0, 3, 6, and 9wt.%) were synthesized with the help of high-energy ball milling, compaction, sintering. The coefficient friction and wear characteristic were examined at various normal loads of 30N, 60N, 90N, and 120 N, at fixed sliding speed of 0.25 m/s against a harder counter face made of steel, EN8 (HRC 46 - 48) ball under boundary lubrication using a ball-on-disk test equipment. The Cu10wt.%Ni-3TiC composite has a higher value of micro-hardness of 117(HV) and sintered density of 8.036gm/cm³ at 3wt% of TiC. The wear rate and coefficient of friction have been elaborated on the basis of micro-hardness and presence of nano MoS2 in lubricant. At 3wt% TiC in metal matrix have optimum performance of friction and wear caused. The wear mechanism of the Cu5Ni and Cu10Ni metal matrix was a combination of adhesive and oxidative wear and composites had mainly abrasive wear. (paper)