Effect of Basalt Fiber Content on Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Copper-Matrix Composites

The basalt-fiber-reinforced copper-matrix composites were fabricated using spark plasma sintering. The effect of basalt fiber content on the mechanical and tribological properties of copper-matrix composites was investigated. The results show that the relative density decreased, the hardness increased and the tensile strength first increased and then decreased with the increase in fiber content. The optimal tensile strength of 276 MPa was obtained when the content of basalt fiber was 1.5 wt.%. The friction coefficient of the composites decreased, and the wear volume first decreased and then increased with the increase in the fiber content. The addition of basalt fibers reduced the plastic deformation of the copper matrix during the friction test due to its strengthening effect. Moreover, the detached basalt fibers from the Cu matrix were ground into fine particles and were helpful for forming a mechanical mixing layer, which can decrease the friction coefficient of composites.