Tribological Properties of Materials Designed Forcontact Wire / Current Collector Slider Contacts

Abstract

The article describes basics of production as well as a structure and tribological properties of a compositewith a B101 bronze matrix and glassy carbon acting as a solid lubricant. The composite is intended foruse as a sliding cover of a current collector in a rail transport. It is intended to replace the previously usedcarbon-copper composites, which have insufficient mechanical properties for high-speed rail. The results ofcomparative tribological tests of the matrix and composite material in contact with a traction copper (Cu-ETP)confirmed lower wear of the composite than that of the matrix under friction in air, without current load. Theaddition of 10% of a large-cell glassy carbon foam (90% porosity) reduced the wear of the contact (by 28%and 10%) but did not significantly reduce (by 8.4–5.8%) the friction forces. In the tested contacts abrasive andadhesive wear, caused by the presence of copper, dominated. Self-mated materials tend to develop adhesivebonds. Therefore, the next stage of the research optimising a composite production process, e.g. by using aglassy carbon foam with smaller elementary structure or glassy carbon microparticles will be used.