Abstract:In this paper, Cu-Fe-C composites with different carbon contents were prepared by vacuum melting casting and deformation heat treatment. The microstructures and properties of Cu-Fe-C composites were tested and analyzed by X-ray diffraction, metallographic microscope, scanning electron microscope, conductivity tester, Vickers hardness tester and electronic universal testing machine. The results show that the mechanical and electrical properties of Cu-Fe-C composites are significantly affected by the solution temperature. The hardness of the composites decreases with increasing solution temperature. The hardness reaches the lowest value of HV77 at 1000 ℃, and overburning is observed. The conductivity of the composite also decreases with the increase of the solution temperature, but it tends to remain unchanged after the solution temperature of 900 ℃, and the conductivity reaches the lowest value of 18%IACS, mainly because Fe and C elements have been sufficiently solid dissolved. After hot rolling, solid solution and cold rolling, the conductivity and hardness of the material were significantly increased, reaching 56%IACS and HV155, compared with the as-cast and solid solution. In addition, with the increase of C content, the strength and conductivity of the composite are slightly reduced due to the weak copper-graphite interface. The friction coefficient of the composite decreases with the increase of C content, indicating that the precipitation of graphite significantly improves the wear resistance of the composite.