Polyimide matrix composites interpenetrated with foamed copper were prepared via pressure impregnation and vacuum immersion to focus on their thermostability, mechanical and tribological behaviors as sliding electrical contact materials. The results show that the interpenetrating phase composites（IPC） are very heat-resistant and exhibit higher hardness as well as bending strength, when compared with homologous polyimide matrix composites without foamed copper. Sliding electrical contact property of the materials is also remarkably improved, from the point of contact voltage drops. Moreover, it is believed that fatigue wear is the main mechanism involved, along with slight abrasive wear and oxidation wear. The better abrasive resistance of the IPC under different testing conditions was detected, which was mainly attributed to the successful hybrid of foamed copper and polyimide.
The mechanical and tribological properties of hot-pressed copper-based composites containing different amounts of graphene nanosheets（GNSs） are compared with those of copper-graphite（Gr） composites fabricated by the same method.The results show that the Cu-GNSs composites exhibit higher relative density,microhardness and bending strength compared with Cu-Gr composites with the same volume fraction of GNSs and Gr.Moreover,the friction coefficients and wear rates reduce significantly by the addition of GNSs,whereas the limited impact on reducing friction and wear is found on graphite.The abrasive and delamination wear are the dominant wear mechanisms of the composites.It is believed that the superior mechanical and tribological performances of Cu-GNSs composites are attributed to the unique strengthening effect as well as the higher lubricating efficiency of graphene nanosheets compared with those of graphite,which demonstrates that GNS is an ideal filler for copper matrix composites,acting as not only an impactful lubricant but also a favorable reinforcement.
