Tribological studies on microwave sintered copper–carbon nanotube composites

Multiwall carbon nanotubes were coated with copper using an electroless two-step sensitization–activation method in order to improve the interfacial strength of the metal matrix. Copper-coated carbon nanotubes (5–20 vol.%) were mixed with copper metal powder and microwave heating was used to sinter them. The composites were subjected to pin-on-disc testing to study their tribological characteristics. Their mechanical and tribological properties...