Wear-Resistant Carbon Nanotube-Reinforced Copper Nanocomposites: Microstructural Evolution and Tribological Performance
- 1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Doutor Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- 2Associated Laboratory for Energy, Transports and Aerospace (LAETA), Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering (INEGI), Rua Doutor Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
Abstract
Carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced copper nanocomposites have attracted significant interest as multifunctional materials combining high electrical conductivity with enhanced wear resistance. In this work, Cu-CNT nanocomposites were fabricated using a powder metallurgy route and systematically investigated to establish the relationship between microstructure, tribological behaviour, and electrical performance. The materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) to evaluate CNT distribution and its influence on the copper matrix. Wear tests were performed to assess the functional performance of the composites. The results show that CNT incorporation significantly improved the wear resistance of copper, leading to reduced material loss and modifications in the dominant wear mechanisms. The enhanced tribological behaviour was associated with the reinforcing effect of CNTs, improved load transfer, and surface protection during sliding. Microstructural analyses revealed that CNT addition influenced the evolution of the copper matrix, contributing to improved durability. Importantly, the composites retained high electrical conductivity despite the presence of the nanoscale reinforcement. These results demonstrate the potential of Cu-CNT nanocomposites for conductive components operating under wear conditions and provide further insight into the microstructure-property relationships governing their multifunctional performance.
Related
- Graphene-Reinforced PE-RT Nanocomposites for Flexible Pipeline Barriers: Structure–Property–Performance and Aging
- PLA nanocomposites reinforced with green synthesized AgNPs: its physico-mechanical investigation
- Failure investigation and degradation study of long term hydrothermally stressed PVC reinforced with ZnO nanocomposites for cable insulation applications
- Oxidation Resistance and Microstructural Analysis of Polymer-Derived (HfxTa1−x)C/SiC Ceramic Nanocomposites
- Microstructural evolution, phase transformations and magnetic characteristics of Fe@Fe3O4@NaCl core-shell nanocomposites when varying the EB PVD synthesis temperature
BibTeX
@article{simoes2026wearresistant,
title = {{Wear-Resistant Carbon Nanotube-Reinforced Copper Nanocomposites: Microstructural Evolution and Tribological Performance}},
author = {Sónia Simões and Beatriz S. Monteiro and Alexandra C. Alves},
journal = {Nanomaterials},
year = {2026},
month = nov,
doi = {10.3390/nano16211420},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/16/21/1420},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Wear-Resistant Carbon Nanotube-Reinforced Copper Nanocomposites: Microstructural Evolution and Tribological Performance
AU - Sónia Simões
AU - Beatriz S. Monteiro
AU - Alexandra C. Alves
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/11/04
JO - Nanomaterials
DO - 10.3390/nano16211420
UR - https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/16/21/1420
AB - Carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced copper nanocomposites have attracted significant interest as multifunctional materials combining high electrical conductivity with enhanced wear resistance. In this work, Cu-CNT nanocomposites were fabricated using a powder metallurgy route and systematically investigated to establish the relationship between microstructure, tribological behaviour, and electrical performance. The materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) to evaluate CNT distribution and its influence on the copper matrix. Wear tests were performed to assess the functional performance of the composites. The results show that CNT incorporation significantly improved the wear resistance of copper, leading to reduced material loss and modifications in the dominant wear mechanisms. The enhanced tribological behaviour was associated with the reinforcing effect of CNTs, improved load transfer, and surface protection during sliding. Microstructural analyses revealed that CNT addition influenced the evolution of the copper matrix, contributing to improved durability. Importantly, the composites retained high electrical conductivity despite the presence of the nanoscale reinforcement. These results demonstrate the potential of Cu-CNT nanocomposites for conductive components operating under wear conditions and provide further insight into the microstructure-property relationships governing their multifunctional performance.
SN - 2079-4991
ER -