Investigation on the effect mechanism of oxidation on the tribological performance of cast steel /copper matrix composite

By combining the high-temperature pin-on-disc sliding wear test and oxidation test, the effect of oxidation on the friction and wear behaviors of cast steels/copper-matrix composites was investigated. The results demonstrated that the oxidation state directly influenced the tribological behaviors. At 200 °C, the metal-to-metal contact form led to a rather high and fluctuating COF, while the well-kept mechanical properties made the wear slight. At 400 °C, the existence of mixed contact form (metal-to-metal and oxide-to-oxide/metal) along with the dominance of adhesive wear led the COF and its fluctuation range to the highest. At 600 °C and 800 °C, the oxide-to-oxide contact form made the COF and its fluctuation range dramatically reduced. The heaviest wear was found at 800 °C.