Effect of Recycled Tungsten Carbide on the Mechanical, Physical, and Tribological Performance of Copper-Based Composites

Document Type : Review Articles

Authors

1 CMRDI

2 Department of Production Engineering and Mechanical Design, Faculty of Engineering, Minia University, Minia, Egypt

3 Powder Metallurgy Division, Manufacturing Department, Central Metallurgical R&D Institute, P.O.87 Helwan, 11421 Cairo, Egypt.

Abstract

This study comprehensively explores the effect of reinforcing a copper matrix with recycled tungsten carbide (RWC) powder to enhance its mechanical and tribological properties. The copper matrix was initially fortified with fixed proportions of 8 wt.% high-carbon ferrochromium (HC-FeCr), 20 wt. % iron (Fe), 10 wt.% graphite (C), and 2 wt.% molybdenum disulfides (MoS2) via high-energy mechanical milling. Recycled tungsten carbide (RWC) powder in varying concentrations (1-5 wt.%) was subsequently blended with the matrix for 6 hours at 200 rpm. Graphite, MoS2, and RWC surface modification was achieved through nano-copper coating via electroless chemical deposition. The composite powders were consolidated using a hot-press technique at 1010°C under 15 MPa for 15 minutes. The study's comprehensive characterization included density, XRD, SEM analysis, hardness, wear, friction coefficient assessments, and electrical and thermal conductivity measurements. The results revealed a 25% increase in hardness and a 12% reduction in wear rate with the addition of WC, alongside a gradual decline in the friction coefficient. However, the electrical and thermal conductivities diminished as RWC content increased. The Abbott-firestone curves show enhancement in the exploitation zone from (88 – 96%) at load 0.4 MPa and from (84-93%) at load 0.7 MPa.

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History

  • Receive Date: 22 January 2025
  • Revise Date: 27 February 2025
  • Accept Date: 10 March 2025

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