A Study on Wear Resistance of Copper- Silica Sand Nanoparticles Based Composites

• Main Author: Mos, Mohamad Anuar
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS 2011
• Subjects: TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery
• Online Access: http://utpedia.utp.edu.my/10132/1/2011%20-%20A%20Study%20on%20Wear%20Resistance%20of%20Copper-Silica%20Sand%20Nanoparticles%20Based%20Composites.pdf; http://utpedia.utp.edu.my/10132/
• Institution: Universiti Teknologi Petronas

Pure copper (Cu) and its composites reinforced with silica sand nanoparticles (Si02) were prepared by powder metallurgy process. These composites are expected to have high mechanical properties such as high melting point, hardness and good wear resistance. This study aims to find the compressibility curve for Cu and investigates the hardness and wear resistance of Cu-Si02 composites with different compositions of reinforcement of Si02. To create the compressibility curve for Cu, 6 different compression forces were applied (34MPa, 41MPa, 48MPa, 55MPa, 62MPa, and 69MPa) and the green densities values were measured and plotted. The following compositions were developed using the compression force that shows highest green density value: 5 samples of Cu, 5 samples of composites reinforced with 5wt%, 1 Owt%, 15wt% and 20wt% ofSi02nanoparticles. All samples were divided into 5 groups; each group consists of a sample of Cu, and composites reinforced with 5wt%, 1 Owt%, 15wt% and 20wt% of Si02 nanoparticles. Then the groups were sintered at 550°C, 650°C, 750°C, 850°C and 950°C for 1 hour in argon atmosphere. The green and sintered densities were measured by following the Archimedes's method. The hardness values of the Cu-Si02 composites were measured using Vickers Microhardness Tester at constant load of 300gf and dwelling time of 15 seconds. The resistance test was conducted under 120N load using pin-on-disc apparatus and hardened cast iron was used as the counter face. It was observed that 41MPa compression force and 750°C of sintering temperature are the suitable parameters which result in better green and sintered densities. The additions of Si02 nanoparticlcs up to 20wt"/o appeared to improve the hardness of the composites. The hardness increased from 38.2HV to 105.0HV. The sliding wear tests indicated that the composite with 20wt% Si02 nanoparticles exhibits a lower wear loss and wear rate compared to pure copper. The weight losses decreased from 0.18274g to 0.12824g and wear rate decreased from 5.153xl0.2mm3/s to 2.474153xl 0"2mm3/s.