The phase structure, hardness, and wear properties of the Cu–Cr–Zr–Nb alloy under different aging states

As a typical age-strengthened alloy, Cu–Cr–Zr alloys have high strength, good electrical conductivity, and excellent wear resistance. In this work, the Cu–Cr–Zr–Nb alloys were in different aging states after the aging process. After aging at 460 °C for 4 h, the alloy was peak-aging. The common effect of the existence of the FCC Cr particle, which was coherent with the Cu matrix, and the increase in hardness improved the wear property of the alloy. The results of the wear test showed that the optimal wear parameter was a speed of 300 rpm and a load of 5 N. Under these wear parameters, the alloy had the lowest mean coefficient of friction (COF) value and the least mass loss, having the best wear resistance. Furthermore, the wear mechanism of the alloy was mainly adhesive wear and abrasive wear.