Effect of testing conditions on the dry sliding behavior of a Cu-Based refractory composite material

Dry sliding tests were conducted at room temperature and 400 °C on a copper-tungsten composite material paired with martensitic stainless steel disc. The friction coefficient was seen to reduce for room temperature tests at high velocity, whereas it increased for high-temperature tests for the same testing conditions. The pin wear reduced with an increase in velocity and was always mild in nature. High oxide coverage, containing copper and iron were seen on the surface of the friction material as well as counterface. The magnitude of the coverage increased with velocity and temperature. Yates’ statistical method was utilized to analyze parameters that influenced the friction coefficient, pin wear and the (Cu + Fe)/O ratio, in comparison with a reference copper-tin based composite.