How to improve the fatigue resistance and wear resistance of Steel-Copper Composite Bearing Plate?

Improving the fatigue resistance and wear resistance of Steel-Copper Composite Bearing Plate is a complex multidisciplinary problem that requires comprehensive consideration from multiple aspects such as material design, interface optimization, manufacturing process and surface treatment. The following are some specific methods and technical paths:

1. Optimizing interface bonding strength
Interface microstructure control: The interface bonding strength between steel and copper directly affects the overall performance of the composite material. By optimizing the microstructure at the interface (such as reducing porosity and avoiding brittle phase formation), the fatigue resistance can be significantly improved.
Method:
During explosive welding or hot rolling composite process, strictly control the temperature, pressure and cooling rate to promote metallurgical bonding rather than mechanical bonding.
Introducing an intermediate transition layer (such as nickel, titanium or aluminum) to form a stable intermetallic compound through diffusion reaction and enhance the interface bonding force.
Chemical composition design: Introducing an appropriate amount of alloying elements (such as Cr, Mo, Al) in the interface area can improve the interface strength through solid solution strengthening or precipitation strengthening mechanism.
2. Choose the appropriate copper layer thickness and distribution
The thickness of the copper layer has an important influence on the fatigue resistance and wear resistance of the composite bearing plate. Too thick a copper layer may lead to insufficient load-bearing capacity, while too thin a copper layer may reduce thermal conductivity and lubrication effect.
Optimization strategy:
According to the actual working conditions, the optimal copper layer thickness ratio is determined through finite element analysis and experimental verification.
Increase the copper layer thickness in high stress areas to provide better lubrication performance, while reducing the copper layer thickness in low stress areas to reduce costs.
3. Surface modification technology
Surface modification is one of the key means to improve wear resistance. By applying a coating or modification treatment on the surface of the copper layer, its tribological properties can be significantly improved.
Method:
Laser cladding: A layer of cemented carbide (such as WC-Co) is clad on the surface of the copper layer to form a high-hardness, high-wear-resistant surface layer.
Nitriding treatment: Ion nitriding or gas nitriding of the copper layer to form a hardened layer to improve surface hardness and wear resistance.


Plating technology: Electroplating or chemically plating a layer of nickel-based or chromium-based alloy on the surface of the copper layer to enhance oxidation resistance and wear resistance.
Nano coating: Using physical vapor deposition (PVD) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technology, a nano-scale hard film (such as TiN, CrN) is deposited on the surface to further improve wear resistance.
4. Introducing composite material design
Introducing a reinforcing phase (such as carbon fiber, graphene, alumina particles, etc.) into the copper layer can effectively improve its strength and wear resistance.
Method:
Adding graphene or carbon nanotubes to the copper matrix, using its excellent mechanical properties and lubrication properties to reduce the friction coefficient and improve wear resistance.
Prepare copper-based composite materials through powder metallurgy technology, and add ceramic particles (such as SiC, Al₂O₃) to enhance hardness and wear resistance.
5. Optimizing manufacturing process
Different manufacturing processes have a significant impact on the performance of composite bearing plates. By improving the manufacturing process, the overall performance of the material can be improved.
Methods:
Explosion welding: By precisely controlling the explosion energy and angle, the metallurgical bonding quality of the steel-copper interface is ensured.
Hot rolling composite: Hot rolling is carried out under high temperature and high pressure to form a dense metallurgical bond between steel and copper, while eliminating internal defects.
Subsequent heat treatment: Through annealing or aging treatment, residual stress is released and the fatigue resistance of the material is improved.

Through the comprehensive application of the above methods, the fatigue resistance and wear resistance of the steel-copper composite bearing plate can be significantly improved to meet the high performance requirements under different working conditions. If a detailed discussion is needed for a specific direction, the research content and technical solutions can be further refined.