Influence of structure parameters on the tribological properties of MoB/Cu laminated composites

Strong-bonding MoB/Cu laminated (MCL) composites are fabricated by the hot-press method at 1030 °C for 1 h under 20 MPa pressure. The microstructure, tribological properties, and elemental microanalysis are systematically investigated. The structure parameters of laminated composites play a key role in the properties of friction and wear resistance. The average friction coefficient is below 0.3 and the wear rate is almost one order of magnitude lower when the measured ratio of copper thickness to MoB thickness is below 4, compared with the sample whose λ equals 13. The primary phases of MCL are Al₂O₃, Cu(Al), and MoB. They helped the lubricating film to form on the worn surface during the wear process. These tribo-films effectively moderate the wear while safeguarding the metal matrix.