Study on the microstructure and properties of nickel-doped graphite-copper composites prepared by spark plasma sintering

In this paper, the copper powder and graphite power were mixed by ultrasonic dispersion and planetary ball milling, and nickel-doped graphite-copper composites were prepared by spark plasma sintering technology (SPS). The effects of different contents of nickel on the structure and mechanical properties of graphite-copper composites were studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), hardness tester, friction and wear tester. The results showed that the graphite was evenly dispersed in the copper matrix and formed a good interface with it. As the content of nickel increased, the relative density and hardness of graphite-copper composites gradually increased. When it reached 7.0 %, the overall performance of the graphite-copper composites proved to be the best with a relative density of 95.2%, a hardness HV_0.5 of 53.4, a relatively low friction coefficient and a smooth wear surface.